One of the best excuses to wear a kilt this fall is for the beefed-up return of the Delaware Renaissance Faire with triple the dates this time.
Last year’s inaugural festival attracted about 3,000 guests in a sellout, and now organizers said they expect to sell out three dates this year when they take over Fire Base Lloyd in Townsend.
Tickets are available for an early-bird special at a discounted rate. That sale ends at midnight on Tuesday, Oct. 10.
The faire has expanded from one weekend to three with events on Saturdays and Sundays, starting Oct. 28 to 29 through Nov. 11 to 12.
New Shakespeare performer, lots of entertainment
Revelers should be prepared to experience more huzzah this fall with new performers, vendors and enchantment.
There are also lots of things to do like ax throwing, unicorn rides, seeing farm animals and archery.
Daniel GreenWolf, artistic director for Delaware Ren Faire organizer Found Artifact Entertainment, said they’re expecting about 12,000 festivalgoers over six days this year.
Some key entertainers will be available only for the first weekend of the festival such as the debut of Shakespeare Approves, he said.
GreenWolf is excited to land Shakespeare Approves because it’s “a hilarious, interactive show that is very popular among Renaissance faires in the country,” he said.
This one-man comedy, interactive and improvisational Shakespeare show has a habit of leaving audiences in stitches and includes silly songs as the performer takes guests on a wild journey.
The Foxy Bard and Twig is also performing the first weekend only. The musical duo dishes up a unique mix of Renaissance tunes, folk and world music.
Back by popular demand is the classic sideshow performer Krystal Younglove, who will be at all six dates. This “Damsel of Danger” isn’t afraid to eat fire or lie on a bed of nails. Her talents are peculiar and many.
Of the 11 scheduled entertainers, most will attend the faire each weekend. This includes the vibrant belly dancer Linwe, sword-fighting troupe Phoenix Swords, the strange song-slinger Captain Tactles, and the humorous singers and storytellers Pieces of 8.
Harpist Kristin Rebecca will have a melodic encore this year. Doug Stafford of “Bad Ideas Entertainment” is known for juggling, magic, fire, bubbles and (of course) bad ideas.
Taliesin Phoenix is a colorful bard, and Mark “Bucky” Mancuso is one of the coolest blacksmiths you’ll meet.
Over 100 craft and food vendors
More than 100 craft and food vendors will offer everything from dragon armor and era-themed clothing to jewelry and cosmetic items, plus much more.
Of course, there will be mead and food options like pizza, chicken, burgers, barbeque and other treats.
Bring lots of cash for vendors
GreenWolf encourages guests to bring cash for vendors because one of the hiccups last year was limited Wi-Fi access.
While GreenWolf is hopeful guests will have better Wi-Fi access this year, he said there’s no guarantee because the festival is in a rural area. He expects guests to have a great time because he heard a lot of valuable feedback last year.
“Everyone was really sweet and [there were] just a lot of kind words from folks,” GreenWolf said.
“For folks to be so kind and so excited to come back again [this] year, it really doesn’t just speak to the quality of the event itself, it speaks to the quality of the people who are visiting.”
Aiming for 12,000 guests at Delaware Ren Faire
Last year GreenWolf said they were blindsided when a couple thousand guests showed up because they didn’t get the contract for the festival until late, so they didn’t have high expectations for attendance.
“We did not expect that kind of response,” he said. “The fact that we were able to get such a great turnout was really wonderful.”
This time they’re aiming for about 12,000. But even that number over six days makes him a little woozy.
“If we get anywhere near that, over the course of three weekends, of course, we will be mildly terrified,” GreenWolf said with a laugh. “But it could be another great time.”
How much are discounted tickets at Delaware Ren Faire?
Single Day Pass: Adult (ages 15+) $18; child (ages 5-14) $9; young child (ages 4 or younger) free; special admission (ages 65+, vets, Peace Corps or disabled guests) $14
VIP Day Pass: (includes a VIP lanyard, a merchandise package, a free round at the archery or throwing range, and VIP seating in the pub) $30
Season Pass: (good for admission to all faire dates) $50
VIP Season Pass: (VIP admission to all faire dates) $75
Fire Base Lloyd (446 Fleming Landing Road, Townsend) on Saturday, Oct. 28; Sunday, Oct. 29; Saturday, Nov. 4; Sunday, Nov. 5; Saturday, Nov. 11; Sunday, Nov. 12. Each day is 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. For tickets and more info, visit delafaire.com.
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If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
