Went to my first Renaissance Fair this past weekend with some friends from work! We dressed as pirates (one of my co-workers has an extensive wardrobe of costumes from 20+ years of attending these fairs) and spent the day wandering the "village" and checking out all the mind blowing stuff that people create either as a hobby or their livelihood...handmade boots, hats, capes, decorative walking sticks, swords and knives, rings, purses, book bags, I mean you name it, someone had it. And at very reasonable prices! I bought two rings and a Celtic cross necklace for less than $60. The fair also had live music (from the time period of course), sword fighting demonstrations, and a falconry demonstration with different birds of prey. Conditions were muddy but the weather itself was perfect, cloudy and cool. Since getting back, I've been plotting my next costume for next time I'm there. And tickets were surprisingly cheap, just $18! Though I do recommending bringing your own food because the food there is your typical festival/event fare and not particularly compelling.