An Unpornographic Swordsmen Show and Other Events at the Faire
I blushed at the family-friendly Bristol Renaissance Faire, somewhere near the spot where Illinois meets Wisconsin. More times than I can count, I turned red and turned away.
Transported back in time to the year 1574, we strolled along dirt paths, weaving in and out of soap shops, bookshops, and stores selling reversible bodices (IDK?), toward Dirk and Guido: The Swordsmen.
Like a Petrarchan sonnet, Dirk and Guido based their act on the notion of playing on a lady’s nature. With chivalry, bare chests, and tight pants, the pair slashed to a choreographed performance. A must-see!
There were brats the size of small children, loaded with sauerkraut and mustard.
Men strolled in costumes ranging from a courtier’s outfit to fur and leather. Right. I couldn’t even bare to look at the Taylor Lautner twin in barbaric leather straps, let alone pose for a picture with him. Plenty of slutty costumes for those of you who like to people watch!
But we did manage to pose with the ever-charming Guido. That was before he gazed in my eyes and kissed my fingers. Oh. Dear.
In honor of Scott Westerfeld’s LEVIATHAN-or not-it was Steampunk Day at the faire. With so many variations of outfits combining the past with the present, Karly Kirkpatrick best described the look as "goggles and trench coats.”
[Sarah Barthel with her brother and steampunked friends]
Despite the blending of centuries and themes from Medieval to Peter Pan to steampunk, the festival was definitely a trip back in time. So, so much fun! The Bristol Renaissance Faire runs weekends through Labor Day.
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.
-William Shakespeare