Street actors, comedic shows, jousting, being knighted by Queen Elizabeth, and shooting arrows into bales of hay sound fun? If so, visit the Ohio Renaissance Festival in Harveysburg, OH, which is straight out 71 South about an hour and 10 minutes from Columbus. The festival takes place inside the walls of a medieval village reminiscent of 16th century England, and street and stage actors bring “merry ole’ England” to life for people like you and me! My friend and I enjoyed a lovely day with our little girls laughing, riding horses, and throwing axes. Huzzah!
My daughter and her friend dressed up in their finest princess frocks and stepped back in time where dragons and unicorns “really” do exist. They had a ball interacting with the actors, walking the festival grounds, and seeing Robin Hood and of course, Queen Elizabeth. The festival had so much to offer in regards to shopping, shows, and fun street performers that
we had a hard time fitting in all of the things we wanted to do. We could have easily come back a second day to experience things we missed.
What we did accomplish was seeing a show, practicing archery and ax throwing, the girls rode horses and were knighted “Princess Kitties” by the Queen at a knighting ceremony for children. The performances are interactive and sometimes audience members – even children – will be asked to play a part. You can always say “no,” but then I would suggest to lighten up and have some fun! Shows are silly, sometimes a little bawdy, and definitely entertaining for young and old alike.
Now, let’s talk food. There are a number of places to eat, but I would highly recommend eating at the front of the grounds. For the sake of directions, go left or right when you walk in the gate – those would be my top choices for food. We ate at the place at the back of the grounds and it served things such as chicken fingers and hot dogs…hardly a big turkey leg or bread bowl full of delicious veg chili.
Anyhow, get thee to the festival, grovel before the Queen, and cheer “Huzzah” when it strikes your fancy. Admission pricing can be found HERE. Kroger may have discount tickets.
Check out Warren County’s Ohio Renaissance Festival event details for more information and places to stay if you are traveling from distant lands: Warren County: Ohio’s Largest Playground.
Ohio Renaissance Festival
317 Brimstone Road
Wilmington, OH 45177
Tips, including how to grovel before the Queen:
- Bring cash for parking (I think it was $5) and for the day. Some shops accept credit, but food,
games, etc. are much easier to attain with the greens. - Strollers or wagons are permitted, but know that you will be walking through gravel and grass, nothing paved.
- Kids can ride camels and horses for $5…fun!
- Be prepared to buy a souvenir for your child. I bought my girl the most beautiful circlet.
- No matter how much young children beg to go into the Dungeon of Doom, do not take them. It is all about medieval torture devices – yeah, interesting to you and me, but it is the stuff nightmares are made of for small children.
- Port-o-lets all day. ’nuff said.
- Bring your own water.
- Now, onto groveling. Get down on your hands and knees and look to the dirt. In your loudest voice state, “God Save the Queen!” You should be fine…and laughed at by your friends.
