Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

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Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Genre	Renaissance fair
Dates	August – October
Location(s)	Rapho Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Inaugurated	1981
Attendance	250,000 (average)
Area	35 acres (140,000 m2)
Stages	15
Website	www.parenfaire.com/faire.html

The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is a Renaissance fair occurring over 13 weekends from early-August through late-October on the grounds of the Mount Hope Estate and Winery in Manheim, Pennsylvania. In 1980, the Estate was sold and converted to a winery.

History

In 1980, a two-day jousting festival called the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire was held in the winery parking lot to attract visitors. The event proved popular, and expanded in the following years.

In 2009, the Faire was held on a 35-acre (140,000 m²) site with 90 shows performed daily on 12 stages, hundreds of costumed characters, and a recreation of a 16th-century English village with authentic Tudor buildings. Musical performances, Shakespearean plays, and other acts were offered, twenty-three "Royal Kitchens" served food and drink, and Renaissance merchants were on-site. The Swashbuckler Brewing Company was founded on the grounds in 2000, and its product is available at the Swashbuckler Brew Pub.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 40th season was shortened to nine weeks from Labor Day weekend-November 1 when similar events got cancelled, however, the 41st season returned to the normal 13 weekend season, at full capacity.

Praise

The Faire's music and storytelling have been praised by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Little Buffalo Performance Center, and, in 1998, the Faire was named one of the top 100 motorcoach-accessible events in America by the American Bus Association.

Business

As a privately owned business, the faire is not required to report revenues to the public. In a 1998 interview, the former owner, Chuck Romito, revealed that "Gross sales for wine purchases and tickets for shows at the Mount Hope Estates--including Christmas, Halloween, Roaring '20s and other theme performances--hover around $4 million," while the fair's expenses were about $2 million.

As of 2008, American Renaissance festivals were much larger in scale than their European counterparts. Consuming History specifically mentions the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire for its high attendance, along with the Maryland Renaissance Faire, which draws 225,000 visitors over three weeks, and the Bristol Renaissance Faire, which reached a peak in 1990 with 400,000 visitors in seven weekends.

Yearly Scenarios (2000-2025)

2000
Year: 1560
A contest for the affection of Queen Elizabeth The First by Her Majesty’s courageous Captain of the Seas, Sir Francis Drake, and the charming and dignified explorer, Sir Walter Raleigh. The year is 1560. Good Queen "Bess" has come to the Hamlet of Mount Hope for Her annual respite from the responsibilities that accompany Her role as the most powerful woman in the world. The Mount Hope Shire folk, as always, have planned the grandest of celebrations filled with mirth and merriment in honor of their beloved Queen’s visit.

But a surprise awaits Her Majesty today. It seems that powerful noblemen at Court have been placing great pressure on the Queen to marry. Unbeknownst to Her Majesty, they have gone so far as to invite England’s two most celebrated warriors and explorers, Drake and Raleigh, to Mount Hope in the hope that Elizabeth will find Her marital match and put an end to the raging debate of who shall be the successor to the Crown.

For their part, the two renowned gentlemen have embraced the opportunity to win the heart of their Queen, and gain the title of King in the process.

2001
Year: 1558
The year is 1558 and the death of Queen Mary has caused yet another transition of power in England. Mary has left England in financial ruin, religiously divided, and without an heir to the throne. Divine Right now bestows the crown upon the head of Henry VIII's youngest daughter and Mary's half-sister, Elizabeth. The radiant redheaded princess, already known for her independent will and her political savvy, seems to be the right woman at the right time. Immediately, the people rally to Her. After years of oppression under "Bloody" Mary's unforgiving and murderous policies, they embrace the benevolence and kindness of their new monarch.

While some nobles disapprove, it is apparent that Elizabeth shall be crowned Queen. For the coronation and celebration to follow, Elizabeth has selected her favorite location in all the land, a small hamlet outside of London known as Mount Hope.

The Shire's residents marvel at their good fortune in hosting such a glorious and historic occasion. Dignitaries from all corners of the globe gather to take part in the festivities. That Elizabeth is about to become the most powerful woman in the world has not gone unnoticed by the Kings of France and Spain. They have both sent ambassadors to forge strategic alliances with the new Queen to unite their country with the ever-present threat that England represents.

2002
Year: Unknown
Much of the ongoing joy of Faire patrons is that each year a new storyline unfolds. This year, Captain Francis Drake, an officer in the English Navy, learns that the Spanish, under King Phillip II, are building an armada in order to launch a devastating sea assault on England. Drake takes several ships to Spain and destroys much of the harbor of Cadiz, thereby putting a halt, at least temporarily, to Phillip’s designs for conquest. Simultaneously, Phillip, through a courtship from afar, is endeavoring to wed Elizabeth and bring about a merger of the two monarchies. Thus, the stage is set for a visit from an outraged Spanish ambassador and his motley entourage.

2003
Year: 1562
This season the year is 1562, and as has become Her custom, Elizabeth has traveled to Mount Hope for Her annual retreat. Among Her many ladies-in-waiting is Caterina de la Strozzi, the daughter of a powerful Italian Nobleman. It is common knowledge at Court that Caterina has been promised in marriage to an Italian nobleman of the House of Medici, a man whom Caterina has never met.

At Morning Court, to the shock of all those gathered, a visiting Italian nobleman, Cosimo de Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, reveals himself as Caterina’s betrothed. Arrogant and untested, the Duke has crossed the seas to demand his bride this very day at Mount Hope. Yet, we learn from Caterina’s own lips that she has fallen in love with a young and dashing Englishman, the Viscount of Fairfax! Thus, the day’s action is off and running, with plots and counterplots showing up at the Human Chess, at the Jousts, and along the many lanes, in the shoppes and pubs and eventually at the Ultimate Joust and Grande Finale where resolution is at last had.

As mid-day approaches, the tempers of the antagonists have become heated and the Queen has called for a match of Human Chess in an attempt to resolve their differences. The huge 64 foot square of red and yellow is filled with Lords and Ladies, minstrels and players, and many of the wenches and waifs you’ve encountered along the lanes throughout the day. What transpires is a spectacular stunt-filled extravaganza, complete with swordplay, hand-to-hand combat and lots of laughs.

But even this stunning display of action is only a hint at what’s in store at day’s end—the spectacular, and always dramatic, Ultimate Joust. As the sun begins to set over the massive four-story reviewing stand from which the Queen presides, peasants are leading thousands of spectators in cheer for their favorite knights. The drummers are pounding out a heart-thumping beat and five armored knights ride in on horseback. Soon the clash of steel and lance resounds across the entire village. For a while it appears that bedlam is inevitable, but with a stern command Elizabeth restores order.

Weapons are cast aside, a victor is declared, and everyone heads for the Finale In Song celebration at Shakespeare’s majestic Globe Theatre in preparation for a magical celebration to the days revelry.

2004
Year: Unknown
On a three-story Tudor masterpiece set back in the woods, Elizabeth and Her Royal Court convene to formally commence the festivities. Introductions proceed as planned until, to the shock of all assembled, a surprise visitor is announced. It is Mary, Queen of Scots, a cousin of Elizabeth, dethroned in her native Scotland, now fled to England, where she seeks asylum. Ungrateful at best and treacherous at worst, Mary confronts Elizabeth, announcing that she is the rightful heir to the English Throne and demanding that Elizabeth name her such.

Those closest to Elizabeth, including Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Raleigh, and even William Shakespeare, suspect foul play and warn Her Majesty such a proclamation might just lead to Her untimely death. It seems certain that Mary and her entourage will weave themselves in and out of the day’s intrigue.

2005
Year: 1583
The year is 1583. England has finally come of age. The mighty juggernaut of the Spanish Armada has been defeated and Britannia is emerging on the world’s stage as the force to be reckoned with, in great measure due to the brave core of privateers who captain the Navy of Her Majesty. Truly, it is upon the seven seas where Queen Elizabeth’s power and respect has been earned amongst the leaders of the Known Worlde. It is now beyond question that England’s modern Navy of swift and maneuverable vessels rules the seas, led by hero of all England and circumnavigator of the globe, Admiral Sir Francis Drake and other lesser known but equally formidable swashbuckling sea dogs of the day.

At home, in this 25th year of the reign of Her Majesty, England is enjoying the fruits of the dawn of Her Golden Age. In true Renaissance fashion the arts thrive. Works of prolific playwrights such as William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe fill the stages of London. Music and the arts blossom, while intellectuals such as Doctor John Dee explore philosophy and the sciences.

2006
Year: 1563
The year is 1563. Queen Elizabeth has enjoyed a peaceful first five years on the throne as the monarch of England, Ireland, Wales and Virginia in the New World. She has passed new edicts spreading hope and joy throughout the countryside, healing the wounds inflicted by her sister, Bloody Mary. Elizabeth's kindnesses have brought loyalty and love unto Her Majesty. The young Queen and Her entourage are on progress about to arrive for Her annual retreat in the hamlet of Mount Hope. The once small and poor trading village during the reign of the great King Henry VIII has become a center of commerce, as well as the arts, a true pride of the English spirit. Their country at peace and enjoying great prosperity, the thought of the queen's visit preoccupies the denizens of Mount Hope with one burning question debated about town: "Who, amongst the noblemen at Court, will Good Queen Bess grace with the gift of her hand in marriage?"

After weeks of readying the Shire for the grand festival that accompanies the queen's visit, cries of "God Save The Queen!" rise above the crowd as the sounds of herald trumpets mark the queen's arrival at the gates to Mount Hope. Attending the Queen are many of Her suitors hoping that the rollicking festivities to be held in Her honor will lead Her to choosing the man whom she will marry and thus make the King of England. At morning Court, Sheriff Marshall Laww introduces the dignitaries present as the day's Revels are announced.

Just then, one of her courtiers, the handsome Sir Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester and the Queen's Master of Horse, steps forward and boldly addresses the Queen, "Your Majesty, from our earliest days as children playing together, you and I have been meant to be one. Although you may not admit it publicly, and perhaps even to yourself, I know that you feel the same about me." As Dudley drops to one knee in front of Queen Bess, a hush falls over the crowd broken only by the sudden raucous disturbance heard from over the hill as a fun loving group of men soon recognized as a contingent from France lead by the Duke of Alencon, Francois De Valois and representatives of the famed Musketeers arrive waving banners of their French King!

2007
Year: Unknown
Unknown

2008
Year: Unknown
The Awesome Tsar of Muscovy, a land some call Russia, has made the arduous journey to England with one intent – to return to his native land with a beauty from the most prosperous nation in the world! If Ivan the Awesome can defeat England’s finest Knights, will Queen Elizabeth permit her court to compete in Ivan’s Pageant of Princesses so he can choose his next bride? Will England allow one of its roses to be whisked away to far off Muscovy without a fight? The scandalous romance, intrigue and drama unfold when the fantasy of bygone days and “knights” known as the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire crowns its 28th season.

2009
Year: Unknown
Unknown

2010
Year: 1589
The year is 1589, and there is so much to celebrate! The long‐feared Spanish Armada has just been crushed by the resilient English Navy. England is at the dawn of a Golden Age. And, best of all, the good Shire of Mt. Hope is having its 30th birthday! With so many reasons for revelry, everyone is gearing up to throw the most fantastical party that the Shire has e’er seen!

Good Queen Bess herself will, of course, be on hand to partake in the merriment, and she’s brought some of the darlings of her court with her. Among them are England’s two greatest heroes, Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh, who both were instrumental in the Armada’s defeat.

And to make her own addition to the day’s numerous festivities, Elizabeth has declared that the two men shall vie for the title of “Queen’s Favorite” through a series of friendly competitions that include a Human Chess game and a magnificent Joust! Both Raleigh and Drake ‐‐ whose longstanding, celebrated friendship is in no way diminished by their equally longstanding, celebrated rivalry – are most eager to compete for the favor of the Queen, and the large chest of Spanish gold that shall go to the victor!

There will be music! There will be laughter! There will be jesters and jugglers, pirates and parades, rogues and wenches, lords and ladies… but to truly it make a perfect festival day, Mt. Hope wants you to come be a part of the greatest celebration the Shire has ever known!

2011
Year: Unknown
Unknown

2012
Year: 1590
The year is 1590 and the shire of Mount Hope is having a celebration of theatre, art, music and dance! The decree has gone out throughout the land beckoning all sorts of remarkable personalities including William Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth’s very own acting company, The Queen’s Men, who have come to the Shire to host this grand celebration.

But plague is running rampant throughout London and theatres are being shut down and plays are being banned within the city. Not only because of the risk of widespread disease but because the theatres are also being used for gambling, bear baiting and more! Sir Robert Cecil, Secretary of State to the Queen and a powerful puritanical influence is one of the men who is now tightening his grip on theatre throughout the land, including Mount Hope!

But who else will be visiting the Shire? Christopher Marlowe, the ever charming, brilliant and outspoken archrival to William Shakespeare and his acting company, The Admiral’s Men, are on the scene to lend their theatrical prowess to this day! When these three converge, the “drama” explodes and culminates with a visit from the Queen of England Herself! For the love of theatre, Queen Elizabeth commands that today shall be a contest of dramatic proportions between her beloved Shakespeare and Queen’s Men against Christopher Marlowe and his Admiral’s men. A glorious day of the arts!

But what will Sir Robert Cecil and the Puritanical Council think of this? What will happen when the brilliance and ego of Shakespeare and Marlowe clash! A true theatrical contest ensues…on street and stage…with some of Shakespeare’s and Marlowe’s best plays, scenes, characters and more!

The Shire of Mount Hope springs to life, where hundreds of craftsmen and artisans, chefs, townsfolk, mud beggars, actors, gypsies and more come to the Faire to sell their wares and rejoice that the Queen has arrived. Join the intrigue, drama and comedy in a day of pomp and pageantry with the Queen of England and the denizens of Mount Hope!

2013
Year: 1588
The year is 1588 and Her Majesty's favorite Shire of Mount Hope is prepared for Her grande arrival. All is in readiness and the villagers are excited to welcome the Queen once again.

England itself is enjoying a period of peace and prosperity all due to Her Majesty. The country is experiencing a rebirth… a Renaissance of theater and music, of art and dance and all shall be on display at Mount Hope! But even as things at home are wonderous, England does have turmoil just outside its borders. In Ireland, England is struggling with insurrection and daily attacks on their ships and outposts. The proud and rebellious Irish people do not want to be ruled by England and are doing all they can to remind them of that fact.

Led by Red Hugh O'Donnell, the rebels are constantly striking at the English forts and taking their supplies. In response, Her Majesty has sent the tough, uncompromising Sir Richard Bingham as Governor. Itis his task to put an end to the rebellion and to quell the uprising… by any means at his disposal. He has swept through Ireland with an iron fist. And even though he has been somewhat successful, he has also emboldened the rebellion even more.

As a surprise to Her Majesty, He has returned to England with a present for the Queen. He has managed to capture Red Hugh! Triumphantly, he presents the thorn that has been in the Queen's side. Her Majesty is shocked and surprised at this "gift" and publicly announces that this will be the end of the issues that are in Ireland.

But a greater force is on its way to Mount Hope; one that can change the courses of England and Ireland's history. For as strong as Red Hugh is, there is an even more powerful and legendary figure that has been fighting for Ireland's freedom. The Pirate Queen, Grace O'Malley is coming to state her case!

A day of great, but uniquely different cultures clash upon the Shire of Mount Hope. Ireland and England will meet head to head in what is sure to be an action-packed day! Pirates galore, English and Irish Lords and Ladies, villagers and craftsmen, all welcoming the Queen, will await the outcome of the day's festivities! God Save the Queen!

2014
Year: 1525
The peaceful Shire of Mount Hope will resonate with excitement during the 34th season of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, for there will be new royal visitors taking respite there this summer. King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine of Aragon will arrive on August 2nd to enjoy the merriment of the Faire.

For over three decades, the Faire has been the retreat of Queen Elizabeth I, but now it is time to open the gates to an older era of history welcoming one of the most famous British monarchs to the throne. This season, an outpouring of "Long Live the King" will be accompanied by shouts of "God Save the Queen".

Visitors to the Faire will enter the castle gates to the year 1525, where they will find that young Henry VIII, has just signed The Treaty of the More with the French Ambassador. In this treaty, Henry VIII agreed to secure the release of King Francis I (the rightful king of France), currently being held prisoner by Charles V (The Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain). In exchange for their King's release, and restoring French lands currently under English rule, France agreed to pay Henry an incredibly large sum of money to help restore England's depleted coffers.

Weary from the international negotiations, our beloved King and Queen arrive in Mt. Hope to take pleasure in the famed hospitality of its villagers. But alas, the French Ambassador, hearing Henry boast of the festivities in store for him, decides he too would like to participate in the festivities and appears at the Shire gates! So much for a relaxing holiday without dignitaries...Not to worry, all shall be well as long as the Spanish don't appear.

2015
Year: 1513
Victory!

The year is 1513. Our brave King, Henry VIII is returning home in triumph from his glorious victory over the French in the Battle of the Spurs, an aptly named battle that sent the French cavalry fleeing in fear. A tremendous victory, indeed.

Meanwhile, back in England, who should think this the perfect time to take advantage of Henry's absence and invade, but the treacherous Scots to the North! Obviously, our northern neighbors had no idea that our Queen, Catherine of Aragon is no blushing bride, but a strong and fearless leader, for as soon as our Queen heard news of the Scottish invasion, she immediately suited up in armor and rode north to speak to her troops before what would be called the Battle of Flodden Field. It was a rousing speech, which led to a glorious victory! King James IV of Scotland himself was killed at this battle, and our Queen stood over his broken body, removed his bloodied robe and cavalierly had it sent to her beloved Henry in France to inspire him to victory. It must have worked, for now King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine of Aragon are both returning from war and have decided to meet here, in Mount Hope for the victory celebration! And a glorious celebration it shall be! Victory!!!

2016
Year: 1509
The year is 1509. King Henry VII, victor of the War of the Roses and founder of the Tudor dynasty, has died. His eldest son Arthur, who was to have taken his place, has also succumbed to illness. And so England’s throne and future now fall to the king’s second son: Henry Tudor.

Henry has chosen the Shire of Mt. Hope as the site of his coronation, and on this glorious festival day our good Lady Mayor has spared no expense. She has prepared music, dancing, acrobats, jousting, and even a game of human chess! And after a day full of revelry and merriment, England’s new King shall be crowned upon the Globe stage with a fantastic celebration to start his new reign.

But not all is well in the kingdom today. There are some who whisper that Henry spends far more time on the tennis court than in his royal court. His new bride, Catherine of Aragon (who only recently had been happily married to his brother Arthur), is herself unsure if this brash young man is up to the task of ruling a nation. And the Duke of Suffolk, Edmund de la Pole, who lost his claim to the throne when his family was bested by Henry VII in the Battle of Bosworth Field, is wondering if perhaps it is not time for a rematch.

Will the young Henry rise to the challenge of being a king? Will he win the heart of his new bride? Will the Lady Mayor’s fervent preparations go off without a hitch? One thing is certain: it promises to be an eventful and glorious festival day!

2017
Year: 1518
The year is 1518, and the young King Henry is working towards an extraordinary goal: peace across Europe. In the interests of furthering mutual prosperity, he has proposed a non-aggression pact between all European nations. But until now, England has been seen as a rather small player on the global stage, and many are wary of signing a treaty championed by an insignificant and rather backwards nation. Chief among these detractors is Maximilian, the German Kaiser of the Holy Roman Empire.

Undaunted, Henry has invited Maximilian’s ambassador to come to England and see its wonders for himself. And our King has returned to the site of his glorious coronation - the Shire of Mt. Hope - in order to show off the very best of what his country has to offer.

Needless to say, the news has sent our good Lady Mayor of Mt. Hope into quite a state; after all, she’s not exactly known for her calm handling of high pressure situations. With the aid of her newly appointed Master of Revels, who is wondering just what he’s gotten himself into, she has turned the entire town into a beehive of frantic activity. From pirates to peasants, from wenches to rogues, the Shire’s population has devoted itself to becoming the model of a more ‘modern’ European village.

Will our fair Shire’s festival day successfully dazzle the German ambassador? Will the good people of Mt. Hope truly show off the best of English Culture? It will certainly be entertaining to watch them try. And if all else fails, perhaps the visitors from Bavaria will appreciate the taste of stout English ale…

2018
Year: 1520
England, 1520. King Henry VIII has accomplished much in his eleven years on the throne. He has won wars both across the Channel and to the North in Scotland. He has crafted the Treaty of London, which helped broker peace across all of Christendom. Indeed, England's swaggering monarch now sits his throne at the height of his glory. But his most challenging task yet awaits him: achieving a long-lasting peace and alliance with England's oldest rival: France.

A meeting between King Henry and the French monarch, Francis I, was to have taken place in the French port town of Calais. But a sudden and unexpected outbreak of plague there has made the location unsuitable. To that end, Henry has invited Francis to the Shire of Mt. Hope, where they hope to broker a sustainable agreement between the two ambitious nations. But the young King Francis is known to be something of a hot-blooded braggadocio himself, and some worry that Henry may not respond with the best grace to a rival so similar in competitive temperament as he.

And our good village of Mt. Hope must likewise rise to the challenge. The people of the Shire have long shown themselves capable of handling one king's visit.… but how well will they handle two?

Questions will be answered. Character will be tested. Legends will be made. All upon the Shire of Mt. Hope, and the Field of the Cloth of Gold.

2019
Year: 1558
1558. Queen Mary I of England has died, and while the people celebrate the end to her long reign of terror, the kingdom is left in a precarious state. A people torn apart by religious conflict. A royal treasury practically empty. And the ever-present threat of France and Spain across the channel, hoping to take advantage of an England left defenseless. The nation now looks to a young woman of barely 25 years for its salvation: Princess Elizabeth Tudor, who travels now to our own Shire of Mt. Hope for her Coronation.

Needless to say, the good people of the Shire are thrilled to welcome their aspiring monarch and are pulling out all the stops for her arrival. Mt. Hope's brewers prepare their finest ales, the vintners select their choicest grapes, and even the lowly apprentice glovemaker, William Shakespeare, has submitted a play to be performed in the new queen's honor. What's more, Lord Robert Dudley, close companion to Elizabeth, has contributed a large sum to Mt. Hope's Coronation Festival. Of course, our good Lady Mayor Pemburthy has wasted not a penny, scouring the land for the best food, best vendors, and best entertainment that England has to offer.

But not all are eager to see Elizabeth take the throne. There are many who worry that Elizabeth lacks the experience necessary to rule. Even members of her own family, such as her cousin Henry Carey, have expressed doubts about whether she possesses a monarch's temperament. And while Elizabeth does not shrink from the task set before her, even she wonders if she is up to the challenges that await.

But no worries will dampen the spirits of the Shire folk for long, not when there is such revelry to be had on their Festival day! There will be feasting and carousing with jolly companions, entrancing entertainment to delight all ages, and, as always, jousting galore. The merriment will culminate at day's end upon the Globe Stage, where all of Mt. Hope will bear witness as a valiant young princess sits herself upon the throne of England.

Indeed, a Princess will sit…and a Queen will rise.

2020
Year: Unknown
Unknown

2021
Year: 1585
1585—England has finally established a colony in the New World! Sir Walter Raleigh, one of Elizabeth's favorite privateers and newly appointed Governor of Virginia has made Mount Hope a key trade port, and the Shire has never been so prosperous! Of course, where there's money to be made, there will be people who want that money. The Earl whose lands Mount Hope sits upon has suddenly taken interest in the shire which he once left alone. Now he's come to collect his share of the bounty and perhaps set up a more permanent residence with little care if he displaces some peasants along the way. Will Her Majesty intervene? Will the Shire ever be the same? People will become heroes, heroes will be made legends, and legends will be proven real.

2022
Year: Unknown
You are cordially invited to the Wedding of the Daughter of Lady Mayor Delores Ann Penburthy to the Son of Abraham and Eva Froman, the Sausage King and Queen of The Shire. Mount Hope has been prepared in all its glory to host many fine guests such as yourselves, and most importantly, her most radiant majesty, Queen Elizabeth Regina Gloriana shall be in attendance! All the guilds of the shire have prepared their finest crafts, most exotic wares, most amusing entertainments, and even the criminals of the shire are fulfilling their community service... under supervision of course. This will be the perfect wedding! What could go wrong?

2023
Year: Unknown
The Shire of Mount Hope is crackling with excitement in anticipation of Queen Elizabeth's annual visit. This year is especially important because the Queen has chosen Mount Hope to be the location for her Royal Birthday Celebration! She is traveling with an entourage of her favorite courtiers, and such a special guest list requires special preparations. The best food, the best drinks, the most opulent revelry! Even though this party is most definitely not a surprise, the unexpected still waits around every corner for the Queen. The question on everyone's mind: what do you get for the Queen who has everything?

2024
Year: 1589
Choose. Your. Guild. It's 1589, and England is victorious! The Spanish Armada has been defeated, and the treasure fleet captured. Now, laden with new riches, Queen Elizabeth is making her way to the Shire of Mount Hope for a victory celebration! Intent on investing the spoils of war in her people, Her Most Gracious Majesty will offer Mount Hope's guilds the opportunity to lobby her for a share through a Tournament of Guilds!

Will you support the industrious and shrewd Merchants Guild? The cunning and sly Thieves Guild? Or the dutiful and loyal Civics Guild? Perhaps you fancy yourself a connoisseur of artisan food, beverage, or wares and support the Crafts Guild. On the other hand, you could be a mercurial and merry-making fan of the Revels Guild.

Whichever guild you choose, fly their banners high and wear their colors proudly (Civics' Guild: Green & Copper, Crafts' Guild: Red & Bronze, Merchants' Guild: Blue& Gold, Revels' Guild: Purple & White, Thieves' Guild: Black & Silver). In the process, you can earn them points and help them reap the rewards of the Queen's generosity! Hopefully the competitive spirit remains friendly…

2025
Year: 1590
The year is 1590, during the golden age of Queen Elizabeth's reign. While her subjects once eagerly awaited news of her marriage, they now accept her status as the Virgin Queen, as do her advisors. This, however, raises a crucial question of her successor. With no heir, who will inherit the throne upon her death?

Queen Elizabeth has resolved to identify her successor through a series of tests, and where better to conduct such trials than in the Shire of Mount Hope? She has invited two leading candidates: her cousin, Lady Arabella Stuart, a strategic and intelligent woman, though lacking practical experience; and James Stuart, son of the late Mary, Queen of Scots, already King James VI of Scotland, known for his diplomatic skills but also his volatile temperament. Queen Elizabeth will enlist the people of Mount Hope to assist in evaluating these potential monarchs. She anticipates their enthusiastic participation—perhaps even overenthusiasm.

But what else could one expect from a visit to the shire of Mount Hope?

See also

• Jousting
• List of open air and living history museums in the United States
• List of Renaissance fairs
• Reenactment
• Renaissance fair
• Society for Creative Anachronism

External links

• Official website