Are you a lover of history? Do you wish you could travel back in time? Floridians have the opportunity to do just that this weekend at the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire in Tavares. Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire offers its visitors the opportunity to step back in time to a magical, enchanting fantasyland that has been created to represent an authentic 16th Century European village.
(For those living outside of Florida, find local information about Renaissance Faires and Festival near you at http://www.faires.com)
Now in its 9th year, the hugely successful Faire has become a staple of the Central Florida area providing history, arts, culture, and entertainment to all its visitors. One the founders of the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire is Micheal Dempsey, Entertainment Director. His wife, Jennifer Dempsey, is the Marketing Director and is responsible for promoting the annual Faire throughout the entire Central Florida area.
The Faire features over 100 performers – including jugglers, knights in armor, jousting, fire-eaters, pirates, dancers, villagers, historical characters and a variety of musicians. In this difficult economy, it can be challenge to find entertainment that is affordable and a fun learning experience for the entire family. The Faire is a wonderful “escape from the modern world” with their “old world” environment that teachers, students, parents, and families can enjoy together.
Friday, Novemeber 5th is “Education Day” where students, including homeschool students, teachers, and chaperones can purchase tickets for only $5.00. (Seniors can also receive the special discounted ticket on Friday, as well.) To request the special pricing of $5.00, please contact 352-326-1465. Educators (and parents) can find on the Faire website curriculum guides that includes lesson plans and classroom activities as a teaching and resource. Throughout the Faire, costume characters will explain to any student or visitor about their period costume and daily life in 16th Century.
The Lady of the Lake Renaissance Faire is a proud supporter of the Educational Foundation of Lake County. The Educational Foundation of Lake County, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) that serves as the direct support organization for the Lake County Public School District. The organization offers homework assistance for students; Applemart, where teachers shop for free; back to school backpack fair; grants and much more.
Part of the Renaissance charm is not only in the accurately exquisite detail of their recreated historical setting, but the beauty behind the Faire. Marketing Director, Jennifer, recalls a sweet little girl who would attend the Renaissance Faire every year with her parents. She would come dressed as a beautiful princess, and as custom in the 16th Century, all villagers, including the royal family, would greet the little princess. Characters would stop and bow or greet the little girl in a special way. With the attention given to her, the little girl truly felt special. The reason it was so touching for her and her family was that the little girl was missing the lower part of her right arm. When she attended the Renaissance Faire and put on her princess dress, she felt and was justly treated like a beautiful real life princess.
