Massachusetts Renaissance Faire 2019

I recently attended the Massachusetts Renaissance Faire, this is held at the Cummington Fairgrounds at 96 Fairgrounds Road in Cummington, Massachusetts.  The faire was held July 27, 28 and August 3rd and 4^th. I have attended this faire several times in the past, you can read about last years in a previous post. 

This faire is very large and as such has many performers, activities and vendors. So let’s get right to what I saw at this faire.

In terms of vendors, they call that section of the faire; “Market of the Moons”, this is a tribute to when this faire was called by that name, and had a previous location.  You can read an older post about that here.

Trade Route Tribal Dance- Engaging in the art of belly dancing, this troupe will entertain and entice the entire family.

LaLoopna Hoops-What a fascinating performer, be it with the hula hoops, or walking on stilts.  Her performance is impressive and will make you believe she can defy gravity.

Cornerstone Creations- Always a pleasure to speak to him.  He creates some spectacular cement decorations for inside, and outside the home.

Stormy Knights- They put on a wonderful joust.  Truly amazing with their equestrian skill, and a little humor thrown in too.

Shelli Buttons- One of my all-time favorite performers. She will amaze and amuse you at the same time with her death defying performance.

Charter Oak Leather and Lame Horse Creations- Not one great merchant of leather products (and other wonderful items), but two teamed up together.

My video of the faire, do not forget to check out my YouTube channel with other faire videos.  Please “like” and “subscribe” to my channel.

There was a Star Danced- Just recently saw them at the RhodeIsland Renaissance Faire (as I did with many of the performers and vendors listed here).  They sell some truly beautiful candle lanterns.

O’hAnleigh- If you enjoy Irish music, then you will love this group.  One of the best out there for that genre.

Sasha The Fire Gypsy- A very expecting Sasha the Fire Gypsy, but even in her state she amazed the audience with unbelievable feats.

This summer I had the privilege of getting a selfie with the lovely woman of the L.I.A.R.S.

L.I.A.R.S.- What can I say about this great singing group that I haven’t already.  Their pitch perfect harmonies will entertain the entire family.  When you hear them, they will become an instant fan.

Hickory Arms-  The go to place to buy wood practice swords, they also sell other wonderful items.

Tintagels Gate- I always enjoy seeing the wonderful items they sell here, be it swords to wands.

Granny Grue- The vegetarian zombie. The songs, stories and tales she tells will positively keep you smiling.

Emazanti Creations- Their items are truly amazing, check them out to see their entire product line.

Paolo Garbanzo- Juggler extraordinaire, and I am not exaggerating. He is truly amazing to see perform.

Fairie Tailor-they make 95% of their products, be it pirate jackets and clothing, capes – from doll to adult sizes.

Little Green Dragons- Seller of variety of things from incense  to salt & selentite lamps & oils, pillows and so much more.

Amaranth & Rue- lotions, potions, beauty serums, adornments and ephemera (items of collectible memorabilia, typically written or printed ones) are all found here.

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You could have tea time.

Skeleton Crew Theater-This crew of friendly trolls will bring a smile to everyone in your family.

Cliff’s Smokin Backyard BBQ- Great BBQ at great prices, no need to say anything more.

The Maiden’s Dragon-Dragons, unicorns; jewelry, clothing all things from the fantasy world. 

Made by Hand Leather- A great vendor I like to visit when I see him at these faires. Caleb makes and sells great leather products, and other items.

Dragon's Nest Designs- Seller of some pretty impressive jewelry.  A vendor you should check out.

Moose Mountain Maple- Vermont organic pure maple syrup from the base of Mount Mansfield.

Drunk and Disorderly- These rogues will win you over with their songs of drinking, fighting and everything in between.

Mermaid Lagoon- All your mermaid needs, from accessories to costumes are here.  A great vendor I enjoy speaking to.

Just in Tyme Boots- The go to place to purchase your medieval/renaissance or steampunk shoes and boots.

Fight the Knight- An activity where you can combat one of the faire’s knights.

Karnevil- A death defying side show performer, and he is one of the best. He will make you gasp, and laugh at the same time.

Wood's Magic- A wood spoon carver from Connecticut. All of his items are made by hand with no power tools.

Michael OJ- A magician that will boggle your mind with his tricks and slight of hand.

Highland Ledge Farms- from the Sovoy Mountain in the Berkshires, Mass. They make jams and other wonderful products.

Kiss Designs- festival corsets and garb from antique and vintage materials and lace!

Harper and the Minstrel- Each time I hear them perform, I am more and more impressed with their talent and skill.  You definitely should check these artists out.

East Coast Armory Outfitters- sells a great selection of high quality blades and weaspons. Truly impressive stock of items.

Moon Dragon Designs- looking for capes, shawls, cloaks (and other objects) then this vendor to go to.

Mead Hall Outfitters- A great supplier of all your medieval/renaissance/pirate clothing needs.

Lords of Adventure – Music, action and comedy, Jack Bold and Roger Awesome can do it all.

Mountain Rogues- Just because you are on a mountain doesn’t mean you can’t be a pirate.  You can find lyric books, tote bags, flags, maps, games, and other great items here.

Bandersnatch’s Swap Table-take something, leave something.

Gray Raven Farm- A local farm (out of Lanesborough, Ma) that produces great goat milk and honey products such as soaps and lotions.  If you want healthy skin, shop here.

Blacksmiths at their forge.

The faire also has a Market After Dark (Saturday nights only), entertainment is, as they say on TV, may not suitable for all ages. However, it is a wonderful time filled with merriment and contests.

This is one of my favorite faires that I look forward to attending every year. I have always enjoyed the shows and the vendors.  Each year it appears they adjust the faire so you never seem to be attending the same one again. The organizers, staff, performers and vendors should be complimented on putting on a great event.

There was a scheduling conflict for many of the performers and vendors (not unusual during renaissance faire season), so many appeared at one weekend or the other.  I decided to attend both weekends, this way I could see everything the faire has to offer.  Trust me, even two days are not enough to enjoy every aspect this faire has to offer. I suggest that next year you should make plans to attend this faire, and attend both weekends (if not every day of the weekends), you will enjoy it. These weekends will be a time for you to make lasting memories and meet new friends.

W.A.Rusho is an author, professional wrestler and historian. Contact him via his website, or his email.

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