Minnesota Renaissance Festival
From Renaissance Faire Wiki
The Minnesota Renaissance festival (or MNRF) of Shakopee, Minnesota has been in existence for thirty-five years, and is one of the oldest and largest Renaissance fairs in the U.S. It is currently owned by Mid-America Festivals. It runs for 7 weekends during August and September for a total of 16 days including Labor Day and a Friday "school day".
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[edit] Statistics
The site is 22 acres in size, has 270 permanent booths and 11 performance stages. At its peak, attendance has been as high as 320,000 visitors, making it one of the most attended Renaissance fairs.
[edit] History
It started in Jonathon, Minnesota, and was later moved to Shakopee. It also played host to the early careers of such national acts as the magicians Penn & Teller and The Flying Karamozov Brothers juggling troupe.
[edit] Concept
The village portrays an England-like fantasy kingdom during the 16th century.
[edit] Guilds or Troupes
The festival does not currently have reenactment, or performance "guilds" in the same way that many west coast Renaisance fairs do, although there historically have been troupes of actors who contract as a group to perform at the festival as street characters, or to provide stage combat scenes. in addition to the stage acts. Individual street characters are hired through an audition process, and novice characters are required to attend the festival "Academy" which provides classes in acting, interaction with the public, and improvization.
[edit] Crafter Information
It is a juried show with an official policy of not allowing "resellers," Crafters are supposed to produce their own wares. As of 2006 booth fees were a $1000 minimum, or $58 per linear foot measured across the front of permanent booths (measured diagonally across tents or temporary structures).
[edit] Local Gathering Places
In the off-season, local participants of the festival gather at various Irish bars in Minneapolis (Kierans, Merlin's Rest) and St. Paul, (The Dubliner)
[edit] External Links
Official Site of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival
Mid-America Festivals
MRFfriends resource Pages. A resource page for the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and participants that also has a Yahoo E-list for MNRF participants and patrons.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival forum on RenaissanceFestival.com
