We have reached the time of year when you drive through Camp Richardson and see hordes of people dressed up in medieval clothing. For some, this might seem completely out of place. For the rest of us, this is completely normal for the last weekend on May and first weekend in June. This year is the 23rd anniversary celebration of the Valhalla Renaissance Faire in South Lake Tahoe.
Head to Camp Richardson and step back in time as you enter the camp grounds that are transformed into a typical Renaissance Village on a fair day. This unique event features over 100 merchants and vendors, food, jousting competitions, knights on horseback, jesters, lords and ladies and so much more!
The fun starts Saturday with a Scottish Invasion themed weekend. This first weekend of the event is geared more towards families and children. There will be plays, shows, dancing and theater that will inspire the younger generation to learn more about the Renaissance! Interactive events for kids include learning to sword fight, craft demonstrations, archery, fencing and javelin throws. You and your family can dress up, or choose to enter the festival dressed as modern people (though prepared to have your jeans poked fun at).
The second weekend features Pirate and Barbarian Hordes. Stage events include jesters, Shakespearean vignettes, music and dancing, juggling, and more. The craft booths will be the same as the first weekend, with everything from period clothing and swords, to beer steins and handmade jewelry. Be careful not to be ‘arrested’ or you will have to stand through a trial. You will be put into ‘jail’ as you await trial for your misdoings, and if you are convicted you will be doused with water. Historically those convicted of a crime had their hands painted red, so they would be ‘caught red handed’ in the future. At the faire, you will be adorned with a red ribbon so everyone knows you have committed a crime! Don’t forget the food and drinks! There are multiple beer booths selling beer and meade, and a food ‘court’ featuring turkey legs (we highly recommend)!
The main attraction on both weekends are the Knights of Mayhem. If this is your first Renaissance Faire, you must make sure to stop by the jousting arena and watch this spectacular competition. This event is lead by Charlie Andrews who is the world champion of full contact heavy armor jousting. The knights cover themselves in 130 pounds of steel and direct their horses to charge, aiming heavy lances at each other! It is easy to imagine what it was like back in Renaissance times when there were no televisions and this was the primary mode of entertainment for the people. Don’t worry, no horses or people get hurt. Each side of the arena is instructed to cheer for a different knight and their color. So cheer on your knight on and hope that he is the winner!
Overall, this is a weekend that is great for all ages. It occurs rain or shine and costumes are strongly encouraged! If you enter in ‘normal’ clothes and feel out of place, stop by one of the booths and you can walk out with a whole outfit. Bring cash with you as most booths do not take credit cards, and you will certainly see things that you will want to buy. This event does get very crowded, and if you know the area you will know that finding parking can be difficult. The event does have FREE shuttles that will be running from the casinos and from the ‘Y’. Park your car at either of these locations and hop on the free shuttle. If you do brave the on site parking, we recommend arriving early in the day! Be safe and have fun!
The Details:
When: May 30th – 31st and June 5th, 6th & 7th
Time: 10:00am – 6:00pm (Saturday) and 10:00am – 5:00pm Sunday
Where: Camp Richardson Campground, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Cost: $18 adults, $13 seniors, military and ages 13 – 17
For full details visit their Website.
If you still need a place to stay during either of the weekends, call Buckingham Properties to take advantage of our 10% Off Spring Promotion! Click Here to start your search or call us at (800) 503-0051.
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