Seniors have their day at the Faire

Follow this link to see the photo gallery of the students at the Renaissance Faire.

By Eli Gregory
Staff Writer

From the moment the buses arrived, Red Lion students were able to experience what life was like many years ago. Lords, ladies, and even acting peasants wandered by, offering good days and courtesies. Vendors called out their wares through song, and “Long Live the King, God Save the Queen,” could be heard every minute or so.  For the next few hours, students would be immersed in the language and culture of the Renaissance Faire.

"I haven't been in recent years," said junior Riley Perkowski. "But it still had the warm aroma of the Renaissance faire I've grown to love.”  

The day of the field trip was also “students only day”, which gave the faire a unique and youthful vibe.

Throughout the day different events, acts, and performances happen.  A hypnotist, a falconer, brawls, and comedy skits were among many that could be seen both on the walking paths and stages set up throughout the faire. Many students attended the human chess match, a spin on the classic game featuring real fights. The match was also hosted by the king and the queen themselves, who chose members of the audience to participate in the showdown.  

One participant was a little boy who quickly became a crowd favorite called Ben the Pirate.  “It very entertaining and engaging,” said senior Emma Rinehart. “The People all kept in character and it was amazing.”  

Fights were well done, swords and axes clashed, fists were thrown, and one actor even used a whip.  It ended with four knights announcing a duel to the death later on in the day.  

When the students first arrived, many headed to the jousting arena to see the tournament joust, prelude to the ultimate joust later in the day. The crowd was cheering and booing in no time, even doing the wave when prompted to by the “Choir-man.”  

Many visitors purchase the massive turkey legs sold at most vendors.  For eight dollars, students could get a "taste" of what a real knight might have ate many years ago.

Instead of purchasing real swords, many students were seen with plastic sword drink cups. a novelty that went over well until the bees found the sugary soda.

Red Lion's Madrigal Chorus group also performed today alongside many other schools.  “It’s great seeing other schools choirs be that advanced in creating music without instruments” said junior Kevin Scheetz, “Our choir can gain a lot from seeing these groups.”

Many schools from around the area performed alongside Red Lion. While Red Lion did not place, they still put on a great show.  

"I think the best thing there was all the madrigal choirs," said senior Ryan Mendicino "They all sang very well and acted very well".  

For 35 years, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire has been entertaining people of all ages with a massive production put on for 13 weekends. With 35 acres of Renaissance era fun, the Faire is sure to have something enjoyable for everyone.
The Faire’s season started on August 1, and ends October 25.  The Faire alters their theme every weekend, providing a new and unique experience for its patrons.

Three different classes were invited to attend the trip: AP English, British Literature, and Public Speaking. The total amount of kids that attended added up to be 115 students, not counting the Madrigal Choir who also attended.