University of Kansas - Jayhawker Yearbook (Lawrence, KS)

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RENAISSANC FESTIVAL by Marijo Newton Standing in a narrow wooded path- way, an armored knight watched the au- tumn sun shine on the leaves. He smelted incense and heard the song of a far-off wooden flute. Although it seemed as if he were standing in the countryside on an average 16th-century day, the noble knight was actually in a wooded grove in Bonner Springs at the I2th annual Re- naissance Festival. The festival is an annu- al benefit for the Kansas City Art Insti- tute and runs from early September to mid-October. The medieval knight could have been Bruce Rawitch, Overland Park junior and participant in the Renaissance Festival through the KU Students for Creative Anachronism. In the group, he learned how to make a suit of armor, which he wore during combat demonstrations that SCA recreated, and while meandering at the festival. Rawitch said he liked to wan- der around in full armor because adult patrons did not believe that the armor was real, and children did not believe that there was a real person underneath the armor. Carol Putz, Lawrence graduate student, another KU student involved in SCA as well as its combat demonstrations at the festival, said, The children ' s faces are the most fun. Besides making armor, the students also spent time coordinating their cos- tumes and their characters. Alyson Bur- nett, Overland Park senior, said she stu- died the time period to develop an au- thentic costume. Instead of taking a purse, I ' ll take a wicker basket, she said, to make the image even more real. Bur- nett also said that when she ' s in costume, she ' s not self-conscious about people pointing or taking her picture. Much time and effort went into devel- oping each individual ' s character for the festival. Donna Elton, Shawnee junior, told of one rainy weekend when as a street character she sat in a mud puddle and wiped off people ' s shoes with her skirt. Kris Schorno The wizard bids farewell as people leave th Renaissance Festival. Period costumes were rt quired dres s for those working at the festival A choir from Central Oklahoma State College sings for visitors at the Renaissance Festival. The choir performed during the final weekend of the festival 12

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Kris Schocno Kn Schtxno he New Riders of the Golden Age entertained audiences at the festival with authentic recreations of medieval jousts John Hanses of the Celestial Circus uses star charts to map the future of festival visitors, lien were held hourly. This year ' s festival, the largest one on record, attracted many fortune tellers and soothsayers like those found in the days of yore. Street characters are responsible for inter- acting with the crowd and informing them of upcoming events. She said that when in character, you can ' t be in a bad mood, and you must at least say ' hello ' to the people, to make the patrons feel welcome. According to the students, the festival was a wonderful opportunity to escape as well as to make new friends. Burnett said one of her favorite parts of the festival was in the morning before the patrons arrived, when all of the participants were getting into character and wandering around the grounds. It ' s like you ' re go- ing back in time, she said. There is nothing to make the festival commercial, Rawitch added. Burnett also spoke of the many different types of peo- ple who were involved. The experience broadens your perspectives, she said, and the festival was a great way to make friends even if the season was the only time to see them. Elton spoke of the par- ticipants as an extended family. When the festival begins every year, she said, it ' s kind of like a homecoming. The festival has a collection of artisians specializing in such crafts as pottery or jewelry, as well as jugglers, magicians and street characters who mingle and heckle the patrons. Singers and musicians add to the atmosphere by performing music from the :6th century. Wandering through the grove, patrons can imagine life in the Middle Ages. Many patrons return to the festival every year. As Rawitch said, It ' s not fall until you can get out there. Kris Schocno Children ride in the dragon swing. People-powered carnival rides, live elephant and amel rides, sideshows and handcrafts could be found at this year ' s festival. 13