Eat, Drink & Be “Maritime” at the Bristol Renaissance Faire

Sail back in time and spend an exhilarating day in the midst of one of the most celebrated eras: the Age of the Renaissance. In its 19th season, the Bristol Renaissance Faire, located at the Illinois/Wisconsin border just east of I-94, is open Saturdays and Sundays plus Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 2006 (Labor Day). Promising more excitement and entertainment than ever, the Bristol Renaissance Faire is one of Midwest’s most visited summer attractions.

A re-creation of 16th century life in Renaissance England, when Queen Elizabeth visited the port city of Bristol, the Faire is staged on 30-acres of beautiful wooded settings and offers foods, drinks, rides, theater, music, entertainment and shops from the bygone Renaissance era. A day at the Faire includes grand adventure, enchanting entertainment, wonderful shopping and hours of fun for the entire family.

This year, the Bristol Renaissance Faire celebrates all things nautical and seafaring as the Dreadnought, a 100-foot replica Elizabethan privateering ship that has been in development for the past three years, makes its debut. Anchored at the south end of Lake Elizabeth on the Faire grounds, The Dreadnought is a fitting addition to the mystical Elizabethan world of the Bristol Renaissance Faire. The Dreadnought transports Faire patrons to the Queen’s world, where they will be able to see everything from cannon and crates to barrels, rope rigging and weapons.

The Dreadnought’s owners, Michael and Janet Breza, have not spared any details to ensure that the experience aboard the ship is as realistic as possible, offering even the “smells” of the time.

Also part of the Faire are the Queen’s parade, period music played on authentic instruments by colorfully costumed musicians, tricks performed by skilled jugglers and swordsmen, knights, royalty and strolling minstrels. Sixteen performance spaces offer dynamic shows emulating events of the 16th century life. This year also includes a costume contest for visitors at the Faire.

Delicious Queen’s food such as fresh roasted turkey legs, baked potatoes, chicken legs and more are available at the Faire and, of course, yards of ale and beer to wash the food down!

Guests to the Bristol Renaissance Faire can partake in any or all of the festivities on any weekend beginning July 8 through September 4, 2006. The Faire is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Admission is $18.95 for adults; $9.50 for children five through 12; free for children age four and under. Students with ID and seniors (55+) receive discounted tickets for $16.95.

Many of history’s greatest minds thrived during the Renaissance. The Bristol Renaissance Faire celebrates the spirit of that unique time. Staged in a secure, beautiful wooded setting, the Faire promises days of pageantry, excitement, and unique summertime experiences.

For more information, you can visit www.renfair.com or call 847-395-7773. The Faire is located near the Illinois/Wisconsin border at 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53142.

Driving directions:

From the North:
Traveling south on I-94, take exit #347 onto Highway 165 which is also called Lakeside Parkway. This exit is past (south) of Highway 50 and County C. Head west on Highway 165; take first left onto the west Frontage Road going south, which you take for about 2 miles.

From the South:
Traveling north on I-94, exit to the right on Russell Road. Turn left (west) on Russell Rd. crossing over I-94 and go to the first stop sign which is Frontage Rd. and on the west side of I-94 turn right (north) on the Frontage Rd. and go past 128th St. (WG) and where the divided roads joins, there is driveway. Turn left up the drive to the Faire.

From the West:
US-45 runs north & south and is intersected by WG about 6 miles west of the Faire. WG is also called 128th Street, State Line Road, and Antioch. Travel on WG east to frontage road.