Sherwood Forest Faire

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Sherwood Forest Faire
Performance featuring Robin Hood
GenreRenaissance fair
DatesWeekends in March and April
Location(s)1883 Old Hwy 20 McDade, Texas 78650
Inaugurated2010
Area23 acres[1]
Websitewww.sherwoodforestfaire.com

Sherwood Forest Faire is an annual Renaissance fair in McDade, Texas.[2]

History[edit]

Sherwood Forest Faire, LLC was established in 2008 by George Appling and Eric Todd.[3] The first annual festival took place in 2010 and was set in the year 1189; each subsequent year of the festival is set one year later.[4][5] The 2020 festival was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and fair performers created virtual content to entertain would-be visitors.[6][7] The festival returned in 2021 but was delayed by one month, taking place during April and May.[8]

Features[edit]

As of 2024, the event features 170 artisans and 150 daily live shows, including a falconry demonstration, improv troupes, belly dancers, and musicians.[9][10] Many of the Sherwood Forest Faire's shows and attractions are inspired by Robin Hood.[1][11][12] For example, the Sherwood Forest Players perform theatrical skits throughout the day featuring characters such as Robin Hood, Maid Marian, and the Sheriff of Nottingham. These performances are connected to an overarching storyline that changes each year.[13]

Other events[edit]

Because the structures associated with Sherwood Forest Faire are permanent and stay on the property year-round, the grounds are used for other historical and fantasy events in addition to the annual Renaissance fair. The site hosts summer camps for children and adults and an annual Celtic Music Festival & Highland Games festivities in December.[14][15] Throughout the year, the grounds are the site of Hynafol, a series of immersive live action role playing events organized by The Texas Larp Company culminating in a five-day festival in November.[16][17]

In 2016, the Sherwood Forest Faire site hosted the Sound on Sound Fest music festival, the successor to Austin's annual Fun Fun Fun Fest.[18] According to festival organizers, the event was scheduled to take place at the site the following year until prominent investor backed out. As of 2024, the music festival has not returned to Sherwood Forest Faire or any other location.[19]

Gallery[edit]

  • Performer dressed as a knight
    Performer dressed as a knight
  • Costumed performer juggling swords
    Costumed performer juggling swords
  • Knights reenacting a joust
    Knights reenacting a joust
  • Falconry demonstration
    Falconry demonstration
  • Festival attendees in costume
    Festival attendees in costume

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b n.a. "A Visit to the Sherwood Forest Faire". Do512 Family. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  2. ^ Fisher, Lina. "Sherwood Forest Faire". Austin Chronicle. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  3. ^ n.a. "Sherwood Forest Faire, LLC". OpenCorporates. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  4. ^ Brandon, Aprill. "Ye olde local boy doth succeed". Victoria Advocate. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  5. ^ Ballard, Brittany. "Sherwood Forest Faire Recreates Medieval World Just East of Austin". The Austinot. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  6. ^ Mulder, Brandon. "UPDATE: Sherwood Forest Faire suspended following disaster declaration". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  7. ^ Nelson, Kelly. "Texas' Sherwood Forest Faire Bringing the Renaissance Festival to Our Living Rooms via YouTube". San Antonio Current. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  8. ^ n.a. "Sherwood Forest returns with COVID-19 precautions". Elgin Courier. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  9. ^ n.a. "Action Shows". Sherwood Forest Faire. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  10. ^ Rouner, Jeff. "Weighing the Merits of Sherwood Forest Faire Vs. Texas Renaissance Festival". Houston Press. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  11. ^ n.a. "Sherwood Forest Faire Returns March & April 2023". KXAN. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  12. ^ Summer, Jennifer. "Humble resident reprises role of Robin Hood at 2015 Sherwood Forest Faire". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  13. ^ n.a. "Live Theater". Sherwood Forest Faire. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  14. ^ n.a. "Celtic Music Festival & Highland Games". Sherwood Forest Faire. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  15. ^ n.a. "Sherwood Forest Summer Camp". Sherwood Forest Summer Camp. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  16. ^ n.a. "Hynafol". Hynafol. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  17. ^ n.a. "Hynafol 2023 at Sherwood Forest Faire". Explore Bastrop County. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  18. ^ Young, Alex. "Austin's Sound on Sound Festival reveals inaugural lineup". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  19. ^ Curtin, Kevin. "Sound on Sound Fest Canceled". Austin Chronicle. Retrieved 20 March 2024.

External links[edit]

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