By Ian Ferris
Every fall, goblins, knights and pirates gather in Crownsville, Maryland for one of the largest renaissance festivals in the United States.
For the day, festival goers are transported to the fictional 16th century English village of Revel Grove. Participants stroll through the dappled sunlight, falling through the leaves of the deciduous forest that is home to the fairgrounds.
The festival hosts a multitude of engaging activities, from live music and performances on one of the venue’s ten stages to games of all kinds and a live jousting competition where Maryland’s state sport is revitalized in the eyes of thousands of fans. Filling the rest of the 27 acres of Revel Grove are artisans selling hand-crafted treasures, as well as the delectable smells of the infamous renaissance food known for its likeliness of being on a stick.
Just 30 minutes away from the University of Maryland, this festival embodies Maryland’s beautiful Fall season. Will Reed, UMD class of 2023 graduate, spent his Saturday in Revel Grove and encouraged students to attend.
Reed said the festival was “super cool” and explained that it is “a big event that everyone should do.”
The inclusive spirit and good atmosphere is what brings many participants back.
“It’s the ultimate non-prejudice zone,” says 10-year festival veteran Andrew Richardson coming from Alexandria, Virginia. “You can be whatever you want here.”
Looking through the grounds, Richardson’s words come to life. Not only are there knights, monks, and classical renaissance costumes but also movie and video game characters of all kinds. The beating heart of Revel Grove is this communal inclusivity that brings people from all walks of life together.
One couple, Ally and Jack (declined to use last names) also from Alexandria, chose to make this day extra special.
“I can’t imagine a more beautiful place to get engaged!” Ally said.
Jack had proposed to her that morning in their matching green and purple dragon onesies. Moments like these are more common than you’d expect in Revel Grove.
For families, the festival is a fun day trip, for renaissance veterans, the fair is an annual staple and for some employees and artisans, the renaissance is a way of life. For henna tattoo artist Jonesy (declined to use last name), the latter is true.
Jonesy has been working renaissance festivals since 1994, traveling the country to different festivals, and making his living off of these events.
Despite its title as the second largest renaissance festival, Jonesy claims “size isn’t everything” and that Maryland’s festival exceeds that of the largest renaissance festival in Texas.
Folks like Jonesy bring the authenticity that allows the festival to operate from behind the scenes to make it as special as it is for those who attend.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival is a destination worth visiting. Students should take advantage of this landmark and enjoy one more opportunity to break out the old Halloween costume for a trip back in time to Revel Grove.
Featured Image: Attendees in their costumes walk around the festival’s renaissance themed shops. Photo by Ian Ferris on October 21.