October 18 and 19, 2008

Folsom Renaissance Faire Evokes Shakespeare's Muse in Beautiful Folsom City Lions Park

Renaissance Productions and Folsom Parks and Recreation Brings One-Of-A-Kind Spectacle that aims to be the most exciting, diverse and family outing this Fall

The rising young star of London's theatre scene, Will Shakespeare, faces a scourge like no other: a paralyzing bout of writer's block. While the great Elizabethan age of entertainment unfolds around him. Will is without inspiration on material. What Will needs is a muse--and in an extraordinary town whilst on progress with Her Most Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, he finds himself surrounded by numerous quirky characters who draw him into an amazing, dramatic adventure of action and love. Their stories make their way into his plays and into our hearts. This year's theme for the Folsom Renaissance Faire is Shakespeare's Muse. Over two days on October 18 and 19, 2008, Folsom City Lions Park will be transformed to a delightful Elizabethan town filled with myriad characters and vignettes resembling those of Shakespeare's most beloved plays. In addition, over 900 costumed entertainers and hundreds of shopkeepers and artisans will add to the ambience of the Faire.

You’ll meet the likes of royals and rebels, pirates and peasants, ministers and merchants! Entertainment abounds, courtesy of nationally touring stage acts, musicians, singers, and more. Savory food and drink (including hard spirits for adults and homemade root beer for youngsters) will satisfy your hunger and thirst. Quaint shoppes will provide a bevy of handmade goods to purchase—from jewelry, pottery, clothing, and furniture to swords, toys, and even geodes and lingerie. There is something for everyone at this year's 2008 Folsom Renaissance Faire!

Brave knights clad in shining armor will thunder down the list on their spectacular mounts at ferocious speeds trying to knock one another off their steeds. Stilt walkers, jugglers, fire-eaters and jesters will perform over-the-top stunts for your merriment. Swordsmen will test their prowess in the daily sword tournaments using flashing steel blades. Mud diving peasants will kiss the feet of passing-by patrons who will happen to take the moment to peruse the scene. In sharp contrast, the Queen’s court will make a regal entrance dressed in incredible, colorful garments of gold, silks, and velvet. Voices and music will announce the arrival and passage of her Majesty, and her nobles and ambassadors.

Artisans and crafters will give demonstrations and lectures throughout each day on blacksmithing, weaving, spinning, bow-making, chainmail creating, and much more.

Weekend’s highlight will be the Knights of Avalon, a nationally acclaimed full contact jousting troupe appearing at this year’s Faire for the first time. Combining the elements of spontaneity, action, and humor, the Knights of Avalon will present a show that will keep the audience enthralled and coming back for more. Their armor is real, the lances are real and the lance-splintering hits will be real! The onlookers will be astounded by the action of the hard-hitting lance-splitting jousting and the humorous interplay. Thousands of pounds of man, horse and metal will collide and do battle right before your eyes.

The event will sport one-of-a-kind shows, music, and comedy. A small sampling of the talent includes: Fowl Tales, a one man, three parrot and one dog extravaganza performance that charms and entertains the whole family, Trey Cromwell, Professional Showoff, a one man danger show that combines combining variety arts like juggling, contortion and escape artistry into a seamless whole. The Merry Praynksters, a country dancing group, will whirl and wind among the patrons with their period dancing while Danse Macabre will progress through the streets enthralled in their dance with death their hunting music and attire leaving patrons in awe. Bella Donnas will sing in Italian of love and courtship, while Captain's Dotter will showcase yet other aspects of love in their performances.

“For me, the best production in my mind’s eye is an amalgamation of a range of pieces from different worlds. Though a combination of history, theater, entertainment, and some education, I hope we bring to life a spectacular glimpse of a Renaissance world to which we can draw people in and share with them the passions and loves of the times,” said Marta Miernik, Renaissance Production co-founder and Folsom Renaissance Faire Producer. “It will happen live, right before your eyes and all around you. It is my deepest hope and wish that you will enjoy our Shakespeare's Muse, as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you.”

100s of merchants will display various wares and one of the kind items and crafts for sale. They include clothing, jewelry, leatherworks and swords. There will also be food vendors selling everything from Turkey legs to crepes to Oriental food to scones, popcorn and other treats for every taste.

About 8000 patrons are expected to attend over the two days of this year's Folsom Renaissance Faire. Gates will open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. The event is produced by Renaissance Productions in collaboration with the City of Folsom Parks and Recreation Department.

The cost of admission is $12.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors,  and children ages 6-12. Children under six are free. Parking on site is $4. For more information, and directions to the grounds, visit www.folsomfaire.com or call Folsom Parks and Recreation Department at 916-355-7285