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"They even try to mimic accents from the Renaissance period," Robson says. "You just gotta love them."
Artisans and performers from all over the country gather in Kansas City for auditions to be a part of each year's festival. 165 artisans and more than 500 performers were a part of the festival this year.
People of all ages visit the festival for different reasons. Robson visited the festival with her parents when she was a kid, and again this year with friends. She said being at the festival again made her feel like she was in a different world.
Just like Robson, many college students are visiting the festival for out-of-the-ordinary experiences. Approximately 20 percent of the visitors are college students, says Carrie Shoptaw, general manager of the festival. The finale weekend is not only charming for lovers, but also for friends, parents, families and even pets, Shoptaw says.
It's not only the medieval mood and energetic performers visitors love about the festival; food is a huge part of the festival's success. The "world-famous turkey legs" are one of the main reasons people come back to the festival. This year,
about 90,000 pounds of the barbecued turkey legs will be brought to the festival. Robson says the turkey leg was one of the best barbecued foods she had ever tasted. Robert Sack, Wal-Mart associate, who visited the festival several years ago, says the turkey legs are what he misses most about the festival.
The Kansas City Renaissance Festival has consistently won the coveted "Top 100 Events in North America" award over the last several years along with several distinguished local honors according to the official website, www.kcrnestf.com.
"If you spent too much time studying and need a break, harbor a deep love for Tolkein, played a few too many hours of God of War, or really just need a chance to laugh at some people in ridiculous costumes, you're going to have a good time joining us for some play and pastime." Schmidt says.
PHOTO BY JON GOERING
Three women perform a comedy skit Sunday afternoon. Oct. 13 and 14 will be the final weekend of this year's festival.
PHOTO BY JON GOERING
A performer eats fire during a show last weekend at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. The festival first opened in 1977.
LIST OF ACTIVITIES ON
THE FINALE WEEKEND
(OCT. 13 - OCT. 14)
Romancing the Stone
Costume Contest Finale
So you think you know your Mate:
Couples will answer questions pertaining to their relationship
Wedding of the Century
Grape Stomping
Faire Factor Finale
Fools in Love Olympics (Couples only):
Strawberry eating, sack races, spin the bottle, and more)
Mr.Romance Competition Finale
Secrets & Lies Contest-couples game
Romantic getaway at the Festival
Closing Ceremony for the last day Source: www.krenfest.com
HOWE met young love
What began in elementary school as "puppy love" blossomed into a relationship for Keenyn Odom, Albany, N.Y., junior and Raquel Lopez, Hollywood, Calif., Junior.
"I had a crush on her for a really long time," Odom says."Everyone said I liked her and I always denied it."
Odom would not need to deny it for too long; after sixth grade he changed school districts and would not see Lopez until 2006.
Lopez attended a party thrown by Odom and she reacquainted herself with him.
"I got real ballsy and grabbed his ass," Lopez says. "Then he asked for my number."
After a few group dates Odom says he asked Lopez out.
After a few group dates domen says he asked Joelzou吐槽:
"It's kind of ironic, Odom says 'She's one of the first girls I remember having a crush on. She's from the West Coast and I'm from the East and somehow we ended up meeting in the middle."
Lopez, left, and Odom smooch.
Daniel Reyes