Friday, May 13, 2011

Gaming Glen

2nd Annual NJ Ren Faire to feature interactive games
“Gaming Glen” to include rock climbing, archery, live-action role playing, and more! 

BURLINGTON COUNTY, It’s one thing to watch the action – and it’s another to be part of the action!

The 2nd Annual New Jersey Renaissance Faire – coming to Liberty Lake in June – will feature an all new “Gaming Glen” area where visitors will be able to partake in a variety of interactive, family-friendly games and contests. These will include a rock-climbing wall, archery, live-action role-playing, and much more.

In addition to all the medieval-themed entertainment, feasting, and shopping that are the hallmark of the event, children will also be able to participate in a “fight circle,” which essentially features strapping on armor and popping balloons with practice swords. In addition, local Boy Scouts will be bringing a working catapult and will hold an axe and knife throw.

“For this year’s fair, our goal is getting visitors even more immersed in the merriment,” says Andy Pritikin, director of Liberty Lake.  “The interactive activities in Gaming Glen, along with all of the other days-of-yore fun, will give just about everyone who attends more than enough to do.”

Additional information on the King Arthur-themed New Jersey Renaissance Faire – along with discounted tickets – is available at www.njrenfaire.com. The event’s blog is at http://www.njrenfaire.blogspot.com. Also featuring live jousting, the fair begins on the weekend of June 4-5, and concludes on the weekend of June 11-12.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Only Four Weeks to Go!

It is only four weeks from tomorrow when we will open our gates for the second annual New Jersey Renaissance Faire on June 4th.  Last year the villagers of Crossford helped Robin Hood save Maid Marian from an evil marriage plot of the Sheriff of Nottingham and this year King Arthur and his entire Round Table are in peril.  Come and help King Arthur and Merlin save the day.

This year will see the addition of another thirty or more quality merchants, more exciting entertainment, a new gaming glen with various games to be played by adults and children alike.  Rising Regina, the band that was a hit last year will return for more amazing harmonies and music.  The nationally known One Man Side Show, David Smith who was seen on America's Got Talent and Carson Daly Live will be here this year.  We will have a full-scale historical joust twice a day.  Weekend two will see the addition of a falconer flying live birds of prey.  As always, our cast of players will entertain you in shows and on the streets all day long and bring the village of Crossford to life before your very eyes.  Huge and tasty turkey legs will be served up along with many other fine foods and snacks to satisfy the meanest hunger.

Come and witness the magic and joy of the New Jersey Renaissance Faire.  We look forward to seeing you all.  Long live the Duke!

The New Jersey Renaissance Faire at Liberty Lake in Columbus, NJ.  June 4, 5, 11, and 12.  Each day from 11 AM - 6 PM rain or shine.  Visit www.njrenfaire.com for details, directions and discount tickets.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Jousting at the NJ Ren Faire

Witness the thrilling ancient spectacle of jousting 
– right here in New Jersey!
 Armed knights to compete at 2nd annual 
New Jersey Renaissance Faire
 Event will be hosted by Liberty Lake, on June 4-5, and June 11-12

Spectators at this year’s second annual New Jersey Renaissance Faire, held on the grounds of Liberty Lake in Columbus, NJ will have an opportunity to view a staple of medieval tournaments – the combat sport of jousting. As originally conceived more than a millennium ago, jousting is a deadly serious contest between mounted knights, who charge each other with lances and shields. 

“These jousting knights are going to bring the excitement level at this year’s faire to dramatic new heights,” says Andy Pritikin, director of Liberty Lake Day Camp. “Those who are fortunate enough to be watching will truly feel they’ve gone back in time to the Middle Ages.”

Like some sports, jousting can potentially be quite dangerous.  To protect themselves, participants don a heavy, metal helm, armor and shield.  The armor used in modern competitions replicates 12th century designs, with some additional modern padding included to enhance safety. 

The most successful knights are those who have the finest mounts. It takes an extremely courageous, well-trained horse to willingly gallop directly toward another knight’s mount. Years of preparation are required before any horse can be deemed ready to actually participate in the sport.

The rules for modern jousting – more or less passed down for centuries – are extremely specific. Points are gained by using the lance to strike the chest or the center of the shield of the opposing knight. Any participant may be disqualified if he touches any part of the opposing knight’s body except the center of the chest.

Additional information on the second annual New Jersey Renaissance Faire – along with discounted tickets – is available at www.njrenfaire.com The event begins on the weekend of June 4-5, and concludes on the weekend of June 11-12.