Arizona Renaissance Festival 2015 (Pinal County, Arizona)

After having a great time flying down for the Arizona Renaissance Festival last year, we decided to repeat the trip this year. We arrived in Phoenix on Saturday afternoon and just sort of relaxed at the Wild Horse Pass Resort and Casino for the evening. 

Waking early on Sunday morning, we stopped in for a delicious breakfast at one of the casino's restaurants. I had the most amazing blue corn pancakes . . . yummy! After we filled our gullets, we made our the hour or so east to Apache Junction and the site of the festival. We arrived just before opening and got to see the opening ceremony, in which the royal court makes their way through the gates and then addresses the waiting crowd, telling of the wonders within. All good fun. 

Making our way into the festival, we first stopped to see a performance of the well-known bagpipe and drum group, Tartanic. My ancestry being from Scotland aside, I just love the sound of good bag pipes. The performance was short, but spirited. For the next hour or so, we roamed the festival's numerous shops and vendors. 

In advance, we had purchased tickets to the Pleasure Feast, which we had also attended last year and was the highlight of the experience. This feast is a large five-course period dinner with several troops of entertainers parading in at various points during the meal. From comedy to music (including another visit from Tartanic) to belly dancers to a royal visit, the Pleasure Feast has it all. Oh, and did I mention the bottomless cups of wine or ale?

Immediately after finishing our feast, we headed to the jousting arena in anticipation of the next tournament. Unlike many other make-shift jousting arenas I have seen over the years, this one was a permanent structure with modern bleachers and a royal box overlooking the field. Four full-plate mail clad knights competed in a number of tests of skill, before the main event. As the lance clashed with shield, a champion arose. And while the jousting was top notch, it was a bit short-lived. I honestly had expected a bit more, but what we did get to see was outstanding.

Making a quick stop in to see a display of Falconry, we were awed by the prowess of some of these larges birds of prey. The festival provides a home to many rescue animals and uses them to educate the general public, which I have a huge respect for.

Finally, we sat down to see the Tortuga Twins final and naughtiest performance of the day. This trio of comedians (I know 'twins' vs 'trio'? Just go with it!) always puts on a rowdy and hilarious show. Much of their skit is based on making fun audience members, including Masturbation Boy, Masturbation Boy's Mom, Sasquatch, etc. It's all in good fun and leads to a hilarious experience. 

The day's events coming to a close, we headed back to the hotel. Both pretty tired, but well-satisfied with our time spent at at the festival.