The Indian Ladders Farms are named for the nearby attraction
by the same Name. Indian Ladder Trail
goes from the Hudson Valley up to the Helderberg Escarpment (similar to a
plateau). There were ladders constructed
up this plateau, which people believed was used by the local Native Americans,
hence the name. However, this may have
never been the case, and these ladders were constructed by the white settlers
much latter. The area, with the help of
this myth (and the breathtaking view of the valley below), it became a successful
tourist attraction.
They had a parade at the faire.
Now to the festival.
As many readers of my posts over the years know this festival is near
where I stay when I am in the Albany area.
It is the third time I have attended this faire, and each year it seems
to get larger and larger, and more variety of vendors and entertainment. In
fact, I heard on Saturday (I went on Sunday) their attendance for this day
matches what they normally do for the entire weekend.
The following are some of the events, vendors and
entertainers I saw at this fair. It is
of course a partial listing and I encourage you to go to the festival’s website
to find out more.
 |
| Vixens en Garde |
Vixens en Garde- Everyone who has read at lead one of my
reviews of a medieval festival/faires, know how much I like these performers. They provide the best performances at these
fairs. They combine Shakespeare with
humor, sword fights and modern references. They should be on your do not miss list.
 |
| Nixie the Mermaid |
Three Pints Shy- A great band, I enjoy listening to them any
chance I get. This group’s musical talent is only matched by their vocals and
humor. They are a regular at
medieval/renaissance faires, so make sure you check them out any time they are
around.
 |
| Member of the SCA educating and entertaining the audiance |
Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA, The Eastern Kingdom, The Concordia of the Snows) –- What a wonderful
group of historical reenactors. Their knowledge of the medieval era is
impressive. If you are not into
“fighting techniques” do not worry, they also provide information and classes
on other medieval techniques such as sewing or cooking. Check out the main SCA
for a chapter near you.
 |
| Thimbleberry the Wood Sprite and friend |
Thimbleberry the Wood Sprite - I must apologize to her. I saw her at the Mayfaire on the Green and
did not mention her. Like, Nixie above, she is a performance actor in the guise
of a fairy like woodland entity or spirit.
She will entertain and enchant the entire family. At the faire there is an entire section where
you can walk and see other woodland spirits.
 |
| The knights dismounted and fought on foot. |
Roundtable Productions- I have seen them at numerous faires
and festivals, they always put on a great demonstration, and jousting
techniques.
 |
| The wonderful people of The Costumer |
The Costumer- This is a store (they have two stores in the
Albany area), I have gone into numerous times over the past several years I
mentioned them in my post last Halloween.
They sell some wonderful costumes for your family. Here at the faire
they provided costumes for you to rent.
 |
| The Greatest Pirate Story Never Told introducing themselves to the crowd |
The Greatest Pirate Story Never Told- Saw them at this
festival last year. Very talented performers that will leave you laughing for
the rest of the day.
 |
| A Tie-Fighter made by Aggressive Metalworks |
Aggressive Metalwork- A great blacksmith which makes some
awesome artwork, tools and knives.
 |
| Helderberg Meadworks giving out a sample |
Helderberg Meadworks-
A local producer of Meade. I try
and buy a product from them each year at the festival. A great group of people
selling a great product.
 |
| A great author, Keith W. Willis |
Keith W. Willis- Author of the novel Traitor Knight. It was a pleasure to meet and to speak with
him. Check out his work and also his blog.
 |
| Alice and Her Puppet Friends, including one large dragon |
Alice and her Puppet Friends- A staple act in New York State
Medieval/Renaissance Faires. She is a wonderful puppeteer and will entertain
both children and adults.
 |
| The Tepee |
Tepee- Whose physical store is located on Route 20, between villages
of Cherry Valley and Sharon Springs N.Y. This store, as the name describes, is shaped
as a Tepee. They sell some wonderful products so make sure you visit them when
you are in the area.
 |
| Indian Ladder Farms Tent |
Indian Ladder Farms- Yes, the site of the festival
itself. If you get a chance check out
their website, and visit them in your nest trip to the area. They have some of
the best local grown products in the area.
 |
| Shimmy Gypsies |
Shimmy Gypsies- A very talented belly dancing group that will certainly entertain everyone.
 |
| The Boar's Den serving some wonderful food |
The Boar’s Den- I bought a Boar Sandwich (pulled pork), they
have the other traditional medieval food like turkey drumsticks etc.
 |
| Teardrop Creations |
Teardrop Creations- Friends I have seen at these faires
since Krebashia Kingdom Medieval Fantasy Faire back in 2015. They produce some wonderful jewelry and other
products. Check them out, and order some
of their great products.
 |
| People enjoying dancing around the Maypole |
 |
| Diddleydeets Scents and their wonderful products |
Diddleydeets Scents- I mentioned them in my recent blog
about the Mayfaire on the Green. A
wonderful supplier of incense, oils, perfume and even some medieval items. Contact them at (518) 842-0104.
 |
| Knightly Endeavors tent, displaying some of their wonderful products |
Knightly Endeavors-Another staple of many faires I
attend. They sell some wonderful period
clothing. It is always a pleasure to stop and speak with them. Check out their
product line.
 |
| Whispering
Willow Wild Care, a wonderful group with a noble cause |
 |
| Made by Hand Leather |
Made
by Hand Leather- I always enjoy seeing this vendor at the faires. He sells some
very good items at some very reasonable prices. Check out his Etsy site for
more information and products.
 |
| The group at Tintagels Gate |
I really enjoyed the faire this year. If the current trend of its growth continues, this will be one of the major medieval/renaissance faires on the East Coast.
W.A.Rusho is a historian, professional wrestler, and author. you can contact him on his website, or by email.
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Posts
William, you have certainly captured the spirit of this Renaissance Fest. How many different Renaissance Festivals have you been to? Or have you lost count ...?
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun! I have never been to a similar festival but once in a life would love to try for sure!
ReplyDeleteWilliam - this festival certainly looks as though it has something for all the family. I always imagined the majority of New York as being quite built up. I assume this festival takes place on the outskirts.
ReplyDeleteInteresting article about a festival you love. Can't help reflecting on what was going on in the area that is now the United States during the time we had the renaissance in Europe. Something different, for sure.
ReplyDeleteThese fairs are so extensive, it just amazes me. You could certainly find something for everyone in your family to enjoy. I think I'd like to visit the fairies!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to dress up as a mermaid as a performance artist. It looks like hard work but also a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteNixie the Mermaid looks like my type of gal :)
ReplyDelete