Renaissance Festival opens for 21st year
February 11, 2009 by Shawn Stagg · Leave a Comment
The 21st annual Renaissance Festival kicks off Saturday complete with strolling mistrals, jugglers and medieval dancers.
Located about seven miles east of Apache Junction in Pinal County the make-shift 16th century European village saw about 260,000 people last year and organizers hope for the same attendance this year.
“This festival is actually one of the largest in the nation and it draws people from all walks of life,” Marketing Director Sanja Malinovic said. “So much goes into making and planning this event each year so there really is something for everyone.”
Patrons can throw tomatoes at insulting fools locked in the stocks at Vegetable Justice or cheer for their favorite mounted knights at three jousting tournaments each day. The archery range and the maze always draw crowds and new this year is master Hypnotist Franko as well as the giant slide named Dragon Tail Tower.
When the festival was introduced below the foothills of the Superstition Mountains in 1989, the performances took place on three stages amid eight acres of village attractions.
The storybook town also boasts continuous music, shopping, crafts, as well as exotic food and drink.
“Our staples include our famous roasted turkey legs,” Malinovic said. “New this year will be our Mid East Mirage, where guests can find falafels, hummus and other Mediterranean delicacies.”
Festival pubs offer soft drinks, beer, wine, champagne and ale while the cocktail inns serve such full-spirit drinks as Medieval Margaritas, Duke of Daiquiri and the Bloody Marie Antoinette.
