HOLLISTER — The Northern California Renaissance Faire is the ultimate people watching venue with a 16th century twist.
A small army of actors and volunteers have transformed the ye olde merry woods of Casa de Fruta west of Pacheco Pass into a place of mirth where you can spend an entire day and frolic as commoners and princes as if it were 1599.
Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. now through Sunday, Oct. 19, the Northern California Renaissance Faire replicates the faire revelry from the reign of the first Queen Elizabeth from 1558 through 1603.
As such, the event lets you experience England’s Golden Age.
It’s when poetry, music and literature blossomed.
The likes of William Shakespeare and many others composed plays that broke free of England’s past style of theatre. It was an age of exploration and expansion abroad.
The Protestant Reformation became more acceptable to the people of England after the Spanish Armada was repelled.
It also was the end of an era when England was a separate realm before forming a royal union with Scotland.
To replicate the feel of that time, the adjoining grounds of the landmark Pacheco Pass fruit stand, restaurant, and kids amusement area has been converted into the 16th century village of Willingtown known as home to one of the finest market faires celebrating the harvest in all of England.
If you’ve never been to a Renaissance Faire, it is safe to say it is simply Medieval from the jousting tournaments to court jesters right down to the food — well, kind of given this is the 21st century and one must make accommodations for health codes and the Pepsi Generation.
The Faire is a feast not only for the stomach but for all of the other senses from sight to hearing and even touching.
Besides roaming entertainment, nine stages of scheduled entertainment, free rock concerts, period music, and royal spectacles there are more than 200 vendors offering everything from food and beverages — including adult brews — to games, rides, clothing, art, garlands and accessories, jewelry, perfume and incense, wood, leather, metal, and toys.
There are also those dabbling in the occult and palm readers. Even if you dismiss such things or give those practicing it high points for being able to read pulses, eye movements and such in response to verbal statements it can be pure entertainment plunking down some cash for a reading especially when done in the presence of family and friends.
Not only are the hundreds of “characters” and vendors in period costumes but also many guests get into the fun as well. You have the option of either dressing for the current century or coming in your best take of fashion from the Elizabethan era.
The entertainment can be racy.
The dining experience worth driving through the countryside on Interstate 5 and Highway 152 to get there is the tea with the queen daily at 4 p.m. You will dine with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The menu consists of scones, tea sandwiches, dessert and tea. The cost is $36 per adult and $18 per child. Reservations are strongly suggested.
There are workshops in the Past-Times Workshop Garden — both in-depth and shorter dabbler versions — throughout the afternoon for adults, families, and children. They touch on chain mail, archery, blackwork embroidery, and making peasant dolls and much more.
There are five ale stands featuring meads, ales, ciders, and specialty drinks. The ale stands also offer draft beers, micro brews, wines, fountain sodas and drinks, and bottled water.
The food selection is epic from turkey legs, meat pies to sweet treats. There are literally hundreds of different offerings from meats, sandwiches, ice cream, cupcakes, biscuits with gravy, coffee, and pizza to gelato and fruit ice to fish and chips.
There are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free foods available.
You will find high quality artisan products in the marketplace from pewter to fiber art and everything in between.
Single day admission is $35 while those 12 and under are free. All entertainment is included in the price of admission. They accept Master Card, Visa, debit cards and cash. There are ATMs throughout the Faire.
Parking is a cash only affair that’s $10 per day.
The Faire is wheelchair accessible but keep in mind all pathways are dirt. Shoes are required. Service animals are allowed but pets are not. The ADA guidelines that the Faire enforces to determine what a service animal is can be found on their website.
Smoking is only permitted in designated areas. You cannot bring in outside drink or food.
While coming in period costume is encouraged, there is no admission discount for doing so. If your costume includes a weapon they must be sheathed and peace tied. Exposed steel is not permitted. Bows must be unstrung and left at home.
The Faire is open rain or shine. No rain checks or refunds are offered. In the event of severe weather or an emergency the Faire may be closed without notice.
More about the Faire can be found at NorCalRenFaire.com.
It’s a relatively easy drive to Casa de Fruta by taking Interstate 5 and then heading west over the Pacheco Pass via Highway 152.
