I am a long time Renaissance Festival attendee to the Pennsylvania Renn Fest as well as the Maryland Renn Fest. After having seen many great photographs from attendees of the Bristol Renn Faire via the SmugMug Renn Fest Interest Group, ...I decided I would need to somehow get the opportunity to see the Bristol Fest for myself.

I live in Virginia, just outside of Washington DC, so on a Friday evening, I hopped a short flight to Chicago and got a hotel room in Kenosha in preparation for what I hoped would be a great Saturday at Bristol. I was not disappointed. It was great. I have to admit however that one of my motivations in attending the fest was specifically to get the opportunity to meet and photograph the Fantastikals.

The Fantastikals were outstanding, as was the entire event. I can see where other photographers have undoubtedly stood fascinated and entranced by the interactions of Brownie, Gaia, Puck, Flower, Grandmother Coweb and the other members of the troupe. As I was there for only one day, I was unfortunately unable to see Autumn and Bubbles, however with any luck, I will have another opportunity in the future. I stood enchanted by the silent yet animated performance and interaction of the Fantastikals, so much so, that I felt I could not break the silence of the glade or intrude into their wonderful silent communications with the other visitors to the glade.