Top: Master and Mistress of the Revels (Ron Patterson & Amie Hill), China Camp Forest, San Rafael 1967 (photo courtesy of Patterson Family archive)
The original Renaissance Pleasure Faire arrived in Marin County ~ quite appropriately ~ during 1967's "Summer of Love." The counterculture origins of the Faire endured various court battles with conservatives in Southern California, but enjoyed an exceedingly warm welcome in Marin!
I was so fortunate to find a place amidst the production team of the original Renaissance Pleasure Faire weeks after arriving in California from the UK. This remarkable and enriching experience that lasted for my first decade in the States made a significant impact on me and my family, as it did for so many of faire friends over the years.
It has been 19 years since the Renaissance Faire wrapped up annual production at bucolic Black Point. Lucky for us, we get to rediscover the colorful early years of the Marin 'Pleasure Faire' as part of this year's "Let the Funshine In" Summer of Love theme at the Marin County Fair. This playful and informative exhibit will include children's theatre, minstrels, costumes, puppet shows, and the work of award-winning Marin photographer Don Kellogg.
Marin County Fair at the Civic Center, San Rafael, CA:
June 30 ~ July 4 from 11 am to 11 pm
Note: Exhibit Hall ~ including Renaissance Faire exhibit ~ closes at 9 pm
Purchase tickets here: https://www.marinfair.org/2017
Bottom: "Renaissance Revelry Rules the Day," Blackpoint Forest, Novato 1970s (photo courtesy of Patterson Family archive)
Let the Funshine In!
2017 Marin County Fair
June 30~July 4, 11am~11pm
Renaissance Pleasure Faire Exhibit Hours: 11am~9pm each day
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