BayArea Renfest Tampa

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The Bay Area Renaissance Festival at MOSI Returns to Fittleworth!

• (Tampa, Fla.) – The Bay Area Renaissance Festival at MOSI returns, WEEKENDS February 21 - April 5, 2009.

The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is like walking through the gates of time to another age where guests from around the Tampa Bay Area, the South, the country and sometimes the world get a taste of 16th century life.

For 30 years the Bay Area Renaissance Festival has delighted visitors with an authentic taste of life in England almost 500 years ago. The Festival has a cast of over 300 professional actors and musicians. The royal court is led by King Henry VIII himself and His Majesty’s sixth and final wife, Queen Catherine Parr, who will once again welcome guests to shire of Fittlesworth, charming guests of all ages.

Music is of course central to the Renaissance Festival’s shire! Bagpipes, harps, flutes, drums, violins, song and more fill the lanes from the moment the front gates open until the cannon sounds at closing gate.

Forty thousand pounds of world famous turkey legs are on their way to Fittlesworth as well as a host of other treats found only at the Renaissance Festival. At every turn artisans can be seen demonstrating their talents in a wide variety of media. Ceramic ware, jewelry, clothing, accessories, games and toys, blown glass and intricate leather work can all be found with a 16th century spin found only at the Renaissance Festival. The process to exhibit at the Renaissance Festival includes a jury procedure that begins for the artisan’s months in advance for only the finest craftspeople. Only a little over 100 exhibitors are honored each year.

Children learn about a time of queens, knights, princesses, elves, faeries, dragons and magic. Additional offerings include the Feast of Fantasy, an exquisite six-course meal complete with entertainment and souvenirs, the Royal High Tea with the Queen and the Renaissance Smoker, a bawdy production for adults only.

The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is located in Tampa, Fl., off I-75, exit number 265/FL-582, on Fowler Ave & 46th St, next to MOSI. It takes place for seven weekends in 2009: February 21 – April 5, and March 13 for School Day. The village gates open each SATURDAY & SUNDAY at 10 a.m., and close at 6 p.m., rain or shine! Tickets cost $16.95 for adults, $8.95 for children 5-12 years old, free for children four years and younger. Discount tickets are available at MOSI, area Albertson’s and ClicknPrint Tickets at www.renaissancefest.com. Parking is free!

February 21 & 22: Highland Fling!
Featuring:
Highland Games!
Scottish Village!
Military Weekend!

February 28 & March 1: Wine, Chocolate & Song!
Featuring:
Best Bloomers- Men in Tights Competition!
Fudge Fling!
Grape Stomp!
Wine Seminars!

March 7 & 8: A Silk Road, Discover the Riches!
Featuring:
Pet Fest!
Juggling Competition!
Sign Language Saturday!
Belly Dancing Competition!

March 13: Festival Friday!
Featuring:
School Day!
Educational Events!

March 14 & 15: Shamrocks & Shenanigans!
Featuring:
Homebrew Competition!
Beer Tastings!
Irish Dancers & Music!
MOSI Marathon!

March 21 & 22: Italian Masters!
Featuring:
Mass Vow Renewal!
Inventors Exhibit and Competition!
Bocce Ball Tournament!
Mask Fashion Show!

March 28 & 29: High Seas Adventure!
Featuring:
Nautical Nonsense!
Biker Weekend!
Beer Tastings!
King Henry’s Birthday Celebration!

April 4 & 5: Spanish Expedition!
Featuring:
Taste of Spain!
Flower Festival!
Longbow Competition!
Wine Tasting and Charity Wine Auction!