Written by and Photographs by Benn and Liz Robbins
This year King Richard’s Faire celebrates its 42nd year in its continuing grand tradition of offering a full season of music and merriment!
New England’s largest and longest-running Renaissance Faire is located on an enchanting 80-acre wooded site off Rt. 58 in Carver, Mass. The merry King Richard, his beautiful and beloved Queen Anne, and their royal court welcome all to their splendid and exciting realm in this the year of our lord two thousand and twenty-three, the richness, excitement, and frivolity is back for another season!
King Richard’s Faire is not only a beloved tradition by many, it holds a very special place in the heart of myself and my wife, Liz. We have been going to the KRF for over 25 years. Separately, before we met, Liz since 1983 and myself since 1987. Together we have been venturing to the fine realm of “Carvershire” since our first friendship in 1992. In fact we can say that King Richard’s Faire is responsible for our destined meeting in the first place. Liz, having returned from KRF one fall evening, had purchased a small decorative dagger and wanted to see if it could be sharpened. Her friend introduced her to me as he knew I knew how to sharpen knives and let’s just say that the rest is history. We have been returning ever since.
This, however, is our triumphant return to this magical land since before the pandemic lockdown. I had severe health issues that prevented me from going since and having recently been cleared by my doctors I wanted to come back and enjoy all the things that really mark the beginning of the fall season for me.
Coming on opening weekend is always special. We love taking the first hour or so to walk the entire fairgrounds and take in all the new vendors and see what the schedule has to offer in terms of new shows and events.
The highlights are the always amazing, perennial favorite, The Sturdy Begger’s “Mud Show” (a classic and a personal favorite of mine – Benn), the Washing Well Wenches, who introduce new cousins Tansy and Pippa this year in their search for husbands, and now internet phenom, Jack Ze Whipper doing some incredible feats of whip cracking mastery. His show is riotous and insanely entertaining.
Of course there is always something going on from acrobatics, music, comedy, and the BIG event; The King’s Tournament and Joust.
We particularly enjoyed this year’s original 2-act musical show that featured King Richard and Queen Anne, along with a cast of characters at the King’s Stage at 1:00 p.m.(part 1) and 3:30 p.m. (Part 2). It was a funny blend of Renaissance Faire-themed pop/Broadway parodies, that is perfect for all ages.
To paraphrase General Manager/Co-Producer, Aimée Shapiro Sedley, “King Richard’s Faire is a magical place and there are a thousand reasons to attend this season. There’s always something exciting and new to experience at King Richard’s Faire. New entertainment, food, and talented artisans alongside Faire favorites will make magical moments for visitors who are experiencing the Faire for the first time – or the 42nd. Our guests will love new performers… The rocking Rowdy Bardlings band who split the season with talented musicians, Pict’s Pipers… comedian Jim Mackenzie bringing his unique antics to the Faire alongside our popular one-wheeled Jamey Mossengren, the Unicycling Unicorn, a tall talent towering 14 feet high! New food and beverages, new artisans, and of course a new original musical on the King’s Stage all are magical and magnificent reasons to attend King Richard’s Faire this season.”
Like I said. So much to see and do.
The Gaming Glen gives you a chance to test your skills with the bow and arrow, axe throwing, and athletic skills on the Jacob’s Ladder. Who knows, you may even get knighted for your efforts.
The amazing vendors have so much cool handcrafted wares such as unique period style clothing, pottery, jewelry and other fineries to offer. Whether you are looking for a handcrafted mug or a decorative or “working” sword, King Richard’s has a wealth to offer you.
We purchased new silver puzzle rings from Pepe in celebration of our 25th wedding anniversary, our “silver” anniversary. We had once owned pepe rings decades ago and thought it apropos to mark this occasion with brand new ones.
There is so much to see here and do that one weekend is just not enough. Each weekend has new theme’s, from the Highland Games to the Fandom of the Realm (a tip of the Sorting Hat to Harry Potter). You can check out the schedule for the themed weekends here: https://www.kingrichardsfaire.net/themed-weekend-events
Our personal favorite time to go to KRF later in the fall when it cools down, the crisp air allows for some really fun dress up in our favorite woolens and layers. We have amassed a large collection of period garb over the years and always look forward to donning a fantastic outfit and digging into that delicious smoked turkey leg or a boule chowder bowl and glass of honey mead. YUM!
Because of my previously mentioned health issues, we were not able to watch the final joust tournament.
Always a crowdpleaser and the Grand Finale of the day where the Champion is chosen so we will most definitely have to return to cheer on our favorite knight!
One thing is for sure, we WILL be returning again this year! We encourage everyone to go and experience the magic!
King Richard’s Faire concludes the season this upcoming October 22nd weekend. Faire hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day.
