Much Ado About Sebastopol - An Apple Harvest Renaissance Festival, September 14th & 15th 2013

All Photos: Claudia Laughter 

Renaissance Faire goers in the Bay Area have long since lamented the departure of the original Pleasure Faire, from Black Point, since Queen Elizabeth, William Shakespeare, Sir Francis Drake and their merry entourage bid a final farewell to the forest, back in the fall of 1998.

Though the revels of 16th Century England live on in countless, more commercial spin-off events around the country, there are several smaller Renaissance Festivals that have emerged as quality re-enactments well worth a visit.

One of which is right in our backyard. Well, leafy, historic Ives Park, Sebastopol to be precise. Members of the Guilds of St. George and St. Michael and other Renaissance travelers invite you to the fourth annual Much Ado About Sebastopol, a 16^th century Renaissance apple harvest faire come to life in the mythic hamlet of Fenford.

Two days of historical re-enactments, entertainment, games and refreshments for the entire family take place 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday, September 14th and 10 a.m. -5 p.m. September 15th, 2013 in the park at 7400 Willow Street.

Proceeds from this historically accurate faire co-sponsored by the Sebastopol Educational Foundation and The Guild of St. George, Inc. benefit three of Sebastopol’s public schools: Park Side Elementary, Brook Haven K – 8 and Analy High School.

Interactive living history performances, parades, storytelling and sword fighting are amongst the activities planned for the two day festival.

“The faire celebrates Fenford’s apple harvest; villagers are honored that the Queen and members of her royal court will be attending both days,” said Becky Garlock, faire co-director. “While there, faire goers will see first-hand how Renaissance craftspeople, performers, farmers and merchants lived. It’s a perfect opportunity to also see what English country life was like in 1578.”

 Ongoing entertainment ranges from musical and theatrical performances to storytelling and juggling to archery and swords. Faire highlights also include a Renaissance scavenger hunt for kids of all ages, make & take craft booths - herbal soap making, leatherwork, falcons, and more historical demonstrations and workshops about spinning, chainmaille, cheese-making, and Elizabethan spies.

A 16^th century style marketplace includes fortune tellers, herbs, jewelry, floral garlands, wearable art, meade mugs, and more. Refreshments range from grilled turkey legs and sausages to gallettes and crepes to seafood, artisan cheeses, chocolates, and more.

Fenford's Pip and Vine Tavern will serve local high-end wine, hard cider and beer. The Tavern is sponsored by Lagunitas Brewing Company.

The Sebastopol Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises funds to provide education and enrichment programs to the Sebastopol Union School District. The Guild of St. George, Inc. is a non-profit, public benefit educational corporation dedicated to teaching history through interactive theater. 

Family-friendly, the Much Ado About Sebastopol draws costumed Renaissance Faire goers and audiences from all around the North Bay area. More than 4,000 people attended last year’s event. This year’s attendees will have an opportunity to enjoy the privileges of becoming citizens of Fenford.

Single day tickets: $15 adults, $10 students (ages 12 – 17). Weekend Pass: $25 adults - $15 students. Children 11 and under are free. Pre-sale discount tickets: $8-$20. For more information about the faire or about becoming a Fenford citizen call 707-481-8213 or visit www.muchadoaboutsebastopol.com.