Renaissance Faire Bringing 3 Days Of Legendary Fun To Bucks

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The inaugural Bucks County Renaissance Faire will transform the grounds of the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works into a land of imagination and whimsy this weekend.

The three-day interactive event, managed by Found Artifact Entertainment LLC, debuts over the long Labor Day holiday weekend bringing the sights and sounds of medieval times to Doylestown.

The fair unfolds on Saturday, Aug. 31, Sunday, Sept. 1 and Monday, Sept. 2 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for three days of legendary fun on the grounds of the Tile Works at 130 E. Swamp Road in Doylestown.

From captivating performances on multiple stages to an artisan marketplace bustling with unique treasures from more than 60 craft vendors, the Faire will offer something for everyone, said Found Artifact co-founder Erin Van Yuga, a New Hope resident who had the vision of bringing the faire to Bucks County.

"Come with us as we experience the Renaissance," said Yuga. "It’s fun just escaping into a different world for a while."

Found Artifact is the same company behind the Delaware Renaissance Faire (Delafaire), the Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire of Ansonia, Conn., and Philly Faire - The Philadelphia Renaissance Faire - held at Fort Mifflin.

"We're excited to now bring the Renaissance experience to Bucks County," said Yuga, who fondly remembers and enjoying the Village Renaissance Faire in Wrightstown organized every fall as a benefit for the Village Library of Wrightstown.

Linwe, a vibrant belly dancer skilled in cabaret and fusion styles, will showcase her talents with veil and sword work. (Bucks County Renaissance Faire)

“I thought the fair was on hold due to COVID so I reached out to them to see if they’d be interested in doing something together because I know people miss it," said Yuga. "But they said they weren’t at this time. So we started to look around for a place.

"I wanted to do something close to home that my family could enjoy and the whole community could look forward to each year. When we came upon Tile Works, I thought it was such a great space," said Yuga. "We’ve been so happy being partnered with them."

The long Labor Day weekend will feature everything from live performances to a Viking encampment and a proving ground with archery, axe-throwing, and a javelin throw.

"We’ll have Renaissance-themed performances throughout the day on multiple stages," said Yuga. "We have jugglers and jesters. We also have a Shakespeare impersonator - 'Shakespeare Approved' - who does a funny one-man show."

Other award-winning headliners include juggler and sideshow performer David Darwin and his amazing stunts, including sword swallowing, and Celtic magicians Daniel and Bella GreenWolf who will dazzle audiences with their fire-breathing and interactive comedy.

The fair will also feature several historical elements, including a medieval village, a tented Viking encampment, and an interactive Proving Grounds with archery, axe- and knife-throwing, and a javelin throw.

Hutch Hamilton from A Better Way Farm will also be there offering horse and wagon rides along the outer perimeter of the grounds.

Musical standouts include Foxy Bard and Twig, a duo offering a unique blend of Renaissance music, folk, and world music; Philadelphia's Triantán, blending traditional tunes with modern energy; and a capella group Pieces of 8, a family of travelers entertaining audiences with songs and stories from a great many places.

Musical standouts include Foxy Bard and Twig, a duo offering a unique blend of Renaissance music, folk, and world music. (Bucks County Renaissance Faire)

After a rollicking tune, guests can "shame thy friends" by enlisting the services of Swashbuckling Mercenaries for Hire. They'll toss patrons in the stockades and give them the ol' fuzzy tomato for unforgettable fun.

Linwe, a vibrant belly dancer skilled in cabaret and fusion styles, will showcase her talents with veil and sword work. Krystal Younglove, the Indestructible Lady, will present classic sideshow performances featuring animal traps, piles of glass, and beds of nails. And Phoenix Swords, a troupe of swords-people, will educate and entertain with their knowledge of weaponry and valiant battles throughout the day.

Of course, no Renaissance Fair would be complete without turkey legs, pickles, and mead. There are other options as well, including sweet and savory crepes and libation from local favorite Crooked Eye Brewery.

For a refreshment the whole family can enjoy, visitors are invited to step into The Human-Powered Snow Cone Machine, a hamster-wheel-like contraption that allows guests to create their own frozen treat.

"There’s something Rube Goldberg about that. And you get a treat at the end. I think people are going to have a lot of fun with that," said Yuga. "The performances on the stage are always a hit with everybody. Musicians, jugglers, and the Indestructible Lady. There are all types of things that
I think people are going to love. We will be creating a lot of merriment."

Amidst all the action, Yuga encourages guests to take a moment to experience the Tile Works, which will be offering tours where guests can explore the decorative halls and workshops and watch craftsmen turn Bucks County clay into tiles.

Faire tickets are now available online and will be sold at the gate, pending availability. Guests are encouraged to buy tickets in advance to guarantee admission. Visit www.bucksrenfaire.com for tickets.

Among the headliners is juggler and sideshow performer David Darwin and his amazing stunts, including sword-swallowing. (Bucks County Renaissance Faire)

Renaissance Faire Bringing 3 Days Of Legendary Fun To Bucks originally appeared on the Doylestown Patch