Special Assignment
The Bristol Renaissance Faire celebrates 25 years
-
TODAY'S TMJ4 is proud to sponsor the Bristol Renaissance Faire this year. We take a closer look at this unique event and the people behind it. Video by tmj4.com
video
BRISTOL - The Bristol Renaissance Faire is a yearly tradition for many Wisconsin families, but it's also a special time for the performers involved every year.
Once you enter the time capsule that is Rennaisance Faire--you probably won't want to leave.
T. Stacy Hicks is one of the actors. He explains why audiences love it. "Getting them out of their 9 to 5, 21st century world, and bringing them into a place where people talk to each other, smile at each other, share, give, learn, and laugh together."
From jesters, to friars, to the queen's court--fairgoers can't help but get swept into the magic of the moment.
Craig Merlin Broers has performed at the faire every year since 1988. So what keeps him coming back?
"I've met more interesting people here in a day than I had in a year before," he exclaims.
Craig grew up in Iowa, and always knew he would be a performer. "I think most performers can't help it--they're gonna perform even if no one's looking." He adds, "I'm hardly ever home. Renn Faire's have been my life for a long time. I'm the guy that sings the love songs, I'm the guy that makes ya laugh."
Other performers like Hicks, or "Sir Robert Dudley", are permanent employees of the faire, and wear many fedoras!
"I've been in costumes, an actor, I've been a director, I've been a teacher in the academy program, I now handle all of the site design and decor," he lists.
Hicks grew up in North Carolina. He came to work at the faire years ago on a whim, and never left. "I think my parents are still waiting 23 years later for me to come home!"
It's hard work, but he wouldn't have it any other way. The audiences keep him coming back.
"Absolutely the audience. They're fresh, they're innovative, you can't rehearse them," he says.
There are many renaissance faires across the country, but these performers agree, there's something special about Bristol.
"I think this faire's special because it's been here so long, it's a permanent site," Craig says. He adds, "The other thing that makes this show wonderful is it's a Summer show, so we have a lot of educators that are taking part, and I think that makes it a wonderful place."
This year's faire also features several new acts on 21 different stages. Plus, of course, a wide variety of food and handmade crafts for sale.
TODAY'S TMJ4 is proud to sponsor the Bristol Renaissance Faire this year. It runs for nine weekends through Labor Day. Click here for more information.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.