Renaissance Faire brings old-world to life

KATHRYN HOLT For the North County Times ESCONDIDO

The fourth annual spring Renaissance Faire at Felicita Park drew record crowds on its first day.

"The pageantry of this event is magnificent," said Carla Edwards of Escondido. "I thought this would be a rough and rowdycrowd. My friend insisted it was a wholesome family event ---- it really is. The actors here are into history, sharing with the kids and educating people. With the media continuously barraging us with the war, this is a refreshing event that I'll come to again and again."

"I look forward to this event," said Robert Florez, Supervising Ranger with San Diego Parks and Recreation. "Everyone that comes in character (costume) is really great. It's a mellow crowd that has a lot of fun. It's a good thing."

"My dad read about this in the paper and decided it would be a great break for the whole family," said Hannah Gould, 12, of Escondido. "I got to play with the fairies as we walked in and then I got to go to an interactive weaving booth. I shot my very first arrow into a target. My brother says he can earn a badge for Boy Scouts at the archery section."

Don Boomer/Staff Photographer

This group of archers takes aim during a competition 44 archers at the Escondido Renaissance Fair at it's return to Felicita Park for a two day event this weekend. Hundreds of actors and more than 50 merchants are taking part.

Greg and Ona Chambers of Valley Center have been "actors" since the Escondido event began four years ago. "Shepherd Chambers and Nell the Shepherd's wife, along with Mistress Maggie," run the "Black Sheep Wool Wyrks" historical education booth.

"We love doing this," said Nell. "We wanted to educate children and show them how clothes were really made. We are here to teach the children and entertain."

The family spoke about the history of wool and how youngsters would pick the wool from the sheep. There were samples of wool in varying stages of the process ---- greasy with lanolin immediately after "picking", washed, in the smoothing process, being turned into thread with a spindle and on the loom.

Over 1,000 actors dressed in 14th through 16th century England period costumes, from peasants to royalty, fairies to pirates, armored knights to jugglers interacted with the public.

"I've done this literally, thousands of times," said Shawn Losdon of Escondido. "I am a knight in armor. We've done fairs all over California, Nevada and Arizona. At the event, I go by Lord Clover or Erin Langdon. This is a hobby."

"The original name of our Irish ancestors was Langdon," said Lady Langdon, Losdons's mother, who was in full character and didn't give her real name.

"To avoid religious persecution, the name was changed to Losdon. We like to integrate the name into the historic context of the event."

"I'm just a hero," said Connor Losdon, 4, also of Escondido. "I am a Celtic Prince. I've been to these many times. I get to carry a bow and arrow. I can even shoot into the ground. My Nana made my outfit."

The elaborate costumes were ornate in design. Most were handmade of heavy upholstery fabrics, velvets, and satins. The women wore jewels, headdresses and big hoops underneath their attire. The men wore swords with pearl handles, capes, cloaks, hats, tights, boots and hand-hammered armor plates. Many of the costumes were in excess of 30 to 160 pounds.

Scheduled events include the queen's procession, which takes place at noon. The battle re-enactment, which occurs at 2 p.m., includes close to 200 participants.

More than 52 vendors selling their wares had carefully constructed their booths to reflect the themed festival. Food booths had constant lines as patrons waited for turkey legs, meat-filled pastries made from recipes more than 500 years old and funnel cakes.

Visitors are encouraged to come in Elizabethan costumes. Admission includes all entertainment and plays. Adult tickets are $12, children under 12 are $6, under 5 are free. Parking is $3. Fair hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Alcoholic beverages may not be brought in the event. 4/6/03