When you enter the park of the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, one of the first things you see is the fountain. Every year, Sugarwings makes a beeline for it, and would probably be happy to spend a good part of the day right there by the water. As much as she loves fairies, she loves mermaids and water even more.
I nick named her Sugarwings before she was even born, I would have gone for a more mermaidish name, if I had waited to get to know her first. But as I've said before, there is just something very WRONG about "Sugartail".
(By the way, thanks for all of your concern about our little fairy. She is now settled back into the Montessori preschool she was in before we took her out and test drove Kindergarten. She is happy to be there, and is in a pre-K program, that should help a lot. )
Kids are always so attracted to these painted wooden pieces that you stick your face in. I am not always a fan of them, but these are extra well done and I love the artist's work.
There is so much attention to detail at the park. From the costumes to the scenery, its just magical. The location helps, its in a hilly little park full of shade trees and cute buildings.
And not really that expensive to attend. We go on the weekends that are buy one get one free with a food donation.
Since we've had a grandchild, I go more than once a season. In the past, it was something I'd attend every two or three years. But watching it through a kid's eyes makes the magic seem so real, that I never get tired of going.
And I never turn down a chance to see some Jack Sparrow style eye candy.
(although, I think this pirate looks a bit more like McDreamy in dread locks than Jack, don't you? Still pretty either way)
Normally, the men in tights are pleasing to the eye too. This year, Robin Hood has some extra junk in the trunk though.
Although, who am I to talk? I wonder if my tiny wings make my butt look even bigger? Maybe I should go for a giant pair next year…
Sugarwings was very taken with the fencing and thought she'd challenge the knights to a duel with her magic wand.
Instead, she was invited up to take a fencing lesson and be part of a duel with a nice foam sword.
There is a petting zoo too, with sheep and goats to feed.
We had a hard working little Cinderella with us, who was ready to muck out the stalls.
The petting zoo was pretty laid back, we were the only ones in there, so the girls took their time and made some friends.
My handsome husband enjoys going so much that he gave up a golf game to join us all. I think he went knowing that some opportunities for baby snuggles would come up. He can't resist them. (and he got to play golf the next day, so he didn't miss his weekly golfing fix)
Yes, just looking at these photos, I'm ready to plan another trip there.
Sugarwings was about a year older than Mayara when we took her for the first time. I can't wait to dress this little snuggle bug in a fairy dress and watch her dance with the sprites.
This year, our Hippy Chick and I got out and danced with the fairies too. Luckily, I am the one with the camera, so there are no shots of me tromping and clomping around out there like an ogre. I'm not much of a dancer, but it was sure fun to do.
I wish I was as graceful as Miss Calliope, she twirled and danced with these ribbons beautifully.
If you ever get a chance to come to Kansas City in the fall, I highly recommend a day at the festival. It goes for 6 or 8 weekends, starting on Labor Day. Each weekend has a different theme, and you never see the exact same thing twice no matter how often you go. Discount tickets are available at Subway and at local grocery stores, plus there are buy one get one weekends with a food donation. We bring in some snacks and drinks to save a little, but the food vendors have tasty treats too and are hard to resist.
Maybe I'll see you there? I'll be the one in the ginormous wings so my butt looks small by comparison.
Karla ~ Your pictures are just beautiful!
It looks like it was such a fun time!
I would LOVE to visit that festival, and yes, I would dress up as well, and prance about, lol, fairy wings and all. Thoroughly enjoyed your beautiful photographs.
LOL-It’s not wings that make my butt look big- it’s brownies.
All the photos are beautiful… But no 1 and the one of sugarwings sitting with the sheep are my favs! Looks like a fun time!
My favorite of this set of pics is also the one of sugarwungs with the sheep. Just beautiful. I havent been to renfest in years. I love all of yor pics.
It looks like so much fun. My Grans would love to come to this. Love your pictures.
Looks like so, so much fun. Sugarwings, is she your daughter, she is exquisite!
What a fun family outing. Your little sugarwings is a bundle of happiness!
Ah, I miss the renfest so much. Haven’t been in years since I moved to an area that doesn’t have one nearby. 🙁
Thanks for letting me live vicariously through your photos. 🙂
Glad Sugarwings is settling nicely into her pre-K class.
This is such a magical venue and I have truly enjoyed visiting through your photos and descriptions. Sugarwings is just too cute and I am glad she is happy at preK. There is certainly no rush to have them grow up too fast. Karla you are making so many memories that will be enjoyed for generations…you are the best fairy of them all!
This looks like such a wonderful place! Your husband looks like he could be Mayara’s biological grandfather. There is quite a resemblance there.
I’m happy to hear that you put Sugarwings back in the Pre K Montessori class. Not all kids are ready to start Kindergarten at five. It’s better to keep them back, now, that later.
~elaine~
Oh, this looks like the Renaissance Fair that takes place in Hershey, Pa. I haven’t been there in almost 20 years and I think it’s time to take the kids.
I’m SO HAPPY to hear about Sugarwings. Thanks for taking that sad image of her away and replacing it with a happy little fairy. One more year will make such a difference. If I could put my kids in a Montessori school, I would have. Wish I could have gone to one! Wait…were they even around in the 70s?!
Karla – only you would show us your butt and ask us if it looks bigger with your tiny wings!!!!
I love the name Calliope…and always enjoy seeing pictures of all the beautiful big and little women in your life!
love the effects you use on your photography. you really have the eye for beautiful compositions. Those costumes in photo 4 are sure amazing. thanks for sharing such a festive experience!
maggie
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