History and fantasy collide at Ohio Renaissance Festival
Experience the hard hits and thrilling action from the Knights of Valour as they joust three times daily. Submitted photo.
HARVEYSBURG, Ohio – Each year thousands journey to Harveysburg in Warren County to experience the old, new, and unique that brings the Ohio Renaissance Festival to life. Once inside the recreated 16th Century English village history and fantasy collide to offer something for everyone.
Fourteen stages feature a full schedule of continuous entertainment. Don’t miss the hard-hitting action as the Knights of Valour joust three times each day in the Guinness Jousting Arena. Comedy and swordplay mesh as The Swordsmen showcase sharp skills with rapiers and even sharper wit. The 65-foot Galleon features a thrilling Pirate Comedy Stunt Show twice each day that is as impressive as the ship itself. Strolling musicians in the lanes include Dylan Robertson, Glass Harmonica, The Flying Dulcimer, Kyle Meadows, Captain John Stout while many a good pub song will be heard in the village pubs.
While browsing through the village enjoy a menu guaranteed to tempt your taste buds. Festival favorites such as giant roasted turkey legs, steak-on-a-stake and bread bowl soups and stews can be found as well as delicious new items. The Chocolate Raven features handmade chocolates and fudge. Archibald Drake’s features an ages old Fish and Chips recipe. KJ’s Cajun Cuisine will have a menu from across the pond and down south. Wash it all down with a wide variety of beers, ales, wines, Coca-Cola products, or coffees and teas.
The marketplace at the Ohio Renaissance Festival is a shopper’s paradise. Full of handmade wares with flare, find unique items created by world-class artisans. Witness demonstrations of time-honored crafts including glassblowing, blacksmithing, forging, leather tooling, weaving, boot making, and more. New to the marketplace this year is a fantasy concept art showcase by Ed Beard Jr, pewter creations by Heekin Pewter, and the beautiful floral garlands from The Royal Garland.
The festival also offers daily special events for those 21 and over. The Naughty Bawdy Pub Show features songs and limericks you won’t hear on the streets in an hour-long show. New this year, test your memory and play Willy Nilly Trivia during the Pub Crawl.
The festival also offers thrilling human-powered rides, games of skill, warhorse rides, camel rides, the Amazing Maze, and the Tower of London Dungeon of Doom.
The 28th annual Ohio Renaissance Festival runs Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day Monday for nine weekends, September 2 through October 29, 2017. Located on State Route 73 in Warren County, just 2 miles west of I-71 or 15 miles east of I-75, the festival is within an hour’s drive from Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus. Tickets and more information can be found at www.renfestival.com.
The Ohio Renaissance Festival is produced by Brimstone & Fire, LLC and held at Renaissance Park Event Center. For more information, please visit www.renparkusa.com.
