Annual Renaissance Festival Opens in Muskogee in May
Oklahoma’s only Renaissance Festival invites everyone to step back in time to England where sorcerers, kings, gypsies and maidens faire cheer on knights in shining armor.
The event runs four consecutive weekends: May 6–7, 12–14, 20–21 and 27–29 at the amazing and unexpected 60-acre kingdom of The Castle of Muskogee, a short 45-minute drive from Tulsa. It offers a wonderful escape for the family. The hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Student Day is May 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A horse-drawn carriage takes visitors by tree-lined lakes and across meadows where magicians, musicians, actors, swordfighters, jesters, jousters and comedians wait to entertain everyone on 12 stages with continuous entertainment.
Over 600 actors, vendors and educators draw visitors into a world of fun, enchantment and mystery. A thatched-roof village is the home of sword fights, fire eaters, balladeers or ladies in distress. The many townspeople are eager to greet everyone and tell of their lives.
Visitors will return to a time where knights in shining armor really do exist, ladies are ladies, and excitement waits around every turn. A live joust could sweep the audience up in the majesty and danger of horses, riders and lances charging toward one another.
The Castleton marketplace is filled with old world artisans and their handcrafted wares. Succulent meats, roasted over an open fire, and delightful sweets and drinks tempt people at every turn.
Guests are invited to the 30,000 square foot. 12th Century Norman Castle for the Masked Ball on Saturday, May 6, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Everyone is invited to wear period costumes and mingle with characters and artisans of Castleton. Dance with Queen Margaret of Scotland and her court and the gypsies of the Realm for only $20 per person
The Kings Feaste is Saturday, May 20, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Dine with King Henry VIII and his court and enjoy dance song and merriment. Cost of this adult event is $29.95 per person.
The Celildh (Kae-lee) is May 27, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Great Hall of the Castle is a great place to celebrate with a Scottish party of music and dancing for only $10 per person.
The Castle of Muskogee has something for every family member. Children 12 and under will enjoy the Queen’s Quest, a scavenger hunt for the four hair ribbons that the King’s sister, Margaret of Scotland, has lost. Successful Lords and Lasses may be knighted in the Great Room of the Castle, for their good deed. Adventuresome ones can explore the Torture Chamber and Catacombs for $2 each.
The Queen’s Tea is held daily from 2 p.m. Enjoy a delectable repast of sweets, finger sandwiches and tea with Queen Margaret and her court ladies in Chalice Hall, inside the Castle for $6 per person.
The King’s Smoker is held daily at 4 p.m. for those 21 and over. Enjoy a premium cigar, two pints of ale and a savory turkey leg and an hour of bawdy humor at the Fox & Pheasant Tavern. There will be belly dancing and risqué songs and much more. Experience Renaissance England the way it really was for $12 per person.
Advance purchase tickets for the 11th Annual Oklahoma Renais-sance Festival are discounted $2 and may be purchased at any AAA in Tulsa or Muskogee at Beverage, 209 Callahan, at The Castle of Muskogee, or purchase and print tickets yourself for the $2 discount at www.OKcastle.com. A $2 off coupon is available at Wendy’s for use at the gate only.
Advance ticket prices: Adults $9.95, Students (13-18) $7.95, Children (6-12) $5.95 (under 6 – free), Seniors (55 plus) $5.95, and Student Day $5 all tickets.
Directions: Take the Muskogee Turnpike to the Highway 69 S. exit. Proceed to the first stop light, turn right and go one block. The Castle of Muskogee is on the right.
Updated 04-29-2006
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