Have a Merry Olde Tyme!

Photo Credit: Eric Tetreault

Lords and ladies. Jousting and juggling. Music and magic.

What more could you want on a great spring day in merry olde Lancaster, Massachusetts? No, there weren’t any dragon-slayers or damsels in distress in this New England town’s past — but it’s always fun to take a fantasy trip into days of yore.

And yes, you can do that this spring when Robin Hood’s Faire comes to the Bolton Fairgrounds, located just off Route 117 in Lancaster. For three weekends — May 12-13, 19-20 and 26-28 — the fairgrounds are transformed into a Renaissance world.

Where else can you see axe-throwing, fire juggling, and shop for hand-crafted chain-mail clothing?

Fair-goers are invited to join  Robin Hood and his Merry Men in an interactive show, try their hands at a bit of swordplay or archery, battle pirates, listen to old-world music and other themed entertainment throughout the day. Comedy and tragedy, fighting and flirting, are on the daily menu, along with special events like a princess tea time and royal knighting of brave young men. And even the family pet can get in on the fun, competing in a pet costume contest.

Every day is packed with lively entertainment, unique shopping opportunities, and craft demonstrations.

Photo Credit: Eric Tetreault

Visitors — both animal and human —  are welcome (nay, encouraged!) to arrive in costume; there are lots of opportunities for fabulous photos that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Each weekend has a special theme, so you may want to return again and again.  The Faire is open from 10 am to 6 pm  each day (and until 9 pm for a “Nottingham After Dark” show for adults on May 26). For details of the event schedule, visit
robinhoodsfaire.com or follow the Faire on facebook.

This spring marks the first appearance of Robin Hood’s Faire in Johnny Appleseed Country — so if you’re looking for new opportunities to enjoy music, mayhem and merriment, head to olde Lancaster town!