Scarborough Pg. 1

Well Scarborough Renaissance Festival is certainly one of the high lights of the DFW area and is always fun to go to. Admittedly it can be rather pricey so set a budget and stick to it, dropping 3 or 4 hundred dollars here is not hard to do. This year it was Robin, I and our 18 month old granddaughter. Before we set off I had Robin get $40 cash and we used a credit card to get in. With all the upcoming events and trips we are to make this year it was not in the budget to go overboard at the faire this year and I was not sure we could do it for that small amount which was very small indeed. Getting in the gate is not cheap but is more reasonable than Six Flags and some of the other places that are common around here for spring and summer entertainment. We stuck to the stage acts which usually work for donations and since we were on such a tight budget we did not chip in as much as we usually do, after having a day of all around fun and entertainment we stayed within the budget set and spent a total of $80 so it can be done. There is street entertainment, shops to look at, and a parade that starts at around 1 o’clock, eating establishments (which is where the other $40 went) and of course the cast of characters that walk the streets. We arrived at 11am and left at just after 6pm and Larina dead on her feet.

For those of you who don’t know, you can get to the Faire by way of Maypearl which adds to the day’s adventure in my opinion with a pleasant country drive and delivers you right to the front gate of the Faire without having to go the 67 and I35 route and cuts about 15 miles off the trip.

When you leave Burleson or Joshua get on to I 35 heading for Hillsborough and the exit after Grandview is the exit for Maypearl. Stay on the road all the way to the Faire, you will pass through the heart of Maypearl which still has the small town atmosphere but for not much longer I’m afraid. So with all that said lets get on to the Faire.

The parking is free and you will see the usual 11^th century individuals standing next to their modern day vehicles preparing to enter the park.

For those of you who hate the long walk up to the gate you can catch a ride for a modest fee of course. I personally don’t think you could pay me enough to pull a rickshaw, but then that’s me.

The street vendors get an early jump by selling different things long before you ever reach the gate, this one was selling programs for $2 and I got one of those. The programs can be useful since they tell you where the stages are located and this is no small operation covering several acres, the times of different shows and events. Where to find the things most needed in life, food, water, and of course the privies.

The sign at the ticket booth entrance with adults at $20, children 4 and under free, 5 to 12 $6.50, do be aware that the food patrol does get testy for bringing in your own food and drinks. Also no pets are allowed which is something that became a bit of a problem a few years ago and I see that they have put an end to bringing them in.

The gate tower and just off to the left is a parapet from which a cannon is fired during the opening ceremonies at 9:45 am so for those of you who don’t like loud noises I suggest you skip the opening of the park.

And then of course there is the ticket gate to get in so come on and let’s see what all the fuss is about.

Don