Greetings to all--and a hearty thanks to Master Ryleh for allowing me another opportunity to report on a faire. I have been attending Scarborough since 1995 and found it to be a faire that not only caters to a wide variety of tastes, but also one that must surely boast a sturdy company of participants. This season, during three of the last four weekends, the members had to endure temperatures well over 100 degrees with the heat index. That's quite a burden considering many them were wearing numerous layers of velvet, brocade and/or bodices. Yet they still managed to perform with enthusiasm and good humor. A hearty huzzah to them all!

This season the site underwent some restructing. Sections near the falconry stage and to the right of the opening gate have been closed off and some crafters have been relocated. This has allowed easier maneuvering for patrons and some booths have become more accessible. In the closed-off area is now "the Keep"--a private section for faire participants. There is also a bakery now created by "Victor the Food God" who is responsible for some of the best and most varied cuisine on site. This was no fluke! Every weekend this booth had a wide variety of wonderful treats both healthy and not (I'm sorry but "healthy chocolate cheesecake" is a scientific impossibility), and was diligently manned by the lovely Mistress Crickett. (Check out the website of the Bronx Elf--accessible through the "Links" page of "Ryleh's Renaissance World"--for a picture of her. I was woefully remiss in not photographing her!)

One thing that can always be said about Scarborough is that it has a zany and offbeat aspect that crops up from time to time. However this season it seemed much more so to me. This is partly due to the fact I am better acquainted with those working the faire and thus became more aware of the crazier goings-on. Also, it is due to the greater percentage of acts that have an inherently wacky quality to them that I will elaborate below.

Anyway on with the faire. Also pardon any errors in names as I'm doing this without benefit of the full program.

In Scarborough Village, they await the arrival King Henry VIII and Queen Anne to celebrate the 25th year of his reign (Photo, left).

Festivities however are marred by a dispute between the king and his sister, the Princess Mary. He wishes her to marry the rich and powerful Sir Edward Seymor and she isn't too thrilled with that prospect (Photo, below right).

She prefers Prince Hapnick of Carpenia. To add to matters, King James of Scotland has sent his emissary, MacThud, to ask for Henry's daughter's hand in marriage. You can see him arriving on his mighty steed, Splinter (Photo, below).

Another aspect that has become a Scarborough trademark is the dance skills of its company. It is quite impressive how many of their members, both female and male, are accomplished in a wide and varied repertoire of country dancing. Pictured below is the company performing their standard piece to Scotland The Brave.

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