Billowing gowns draped along the hay encrusted grounds as two exuberant women, clad in velvet capes, made their way past us to gain entrance to the Faire. My husband and I both knew what to expect, as both having been to King Richard's Faire in our prior lives. And as usual, we were not disappointed.

We decided to have our youngest tag along with us. He hasn't been to the Faire since he was a youngin, sporting swords and armor, ready to battle with the king himself, if necessary. This time, he opted for shorts and t-shirt, and asked us to do the same, probably embarrassed by the costumes that we had wanted to wear. (If you would like to rent a costume for the day, you can do so from a vendor located immediately after the entrance to the faire). The Faire grounds were filled with people from all facets of life, some in costume, some with children dressed as little darlings from period times, and others just there for a good ol' drinking festival, clutching elongated flasks filled to the brim with dark ale.

The air was crisp, with a light chill of autumn resting on our shoulders. The aroma of freshly baked bread drifted, making us scurry to the nearest vendor to satisfy our cravings. We opted for the White Chowder in a bread boule, which is freshly baked bread hollowed out, with a creamy, white sauce chowder and an abundance of clams poured into the bread and served with the lid for spooning out the chowder. Succulent, mouth watering turkey legs, freshly cut fruit in cups, 'The King's Nuts' (which was my favorite) -- roasted pecans with a sugary topping, crispy fried dough showered with powdered sugar and cinnamon, homemade fudge , 'spirits', water and sodas. You never have to worry about going hungry in this place!

Still licking our lips from our delicious meal, we wandered around the faire, hoping to spot a view of the king and queen. We encountered minstrels strumming on their instruments, wizards, cloaked in decorative costumes, wenches willing to chat (or so they say) with you, knights and barbarians, offering to battle it out to the end, and costumed vendors offering their hard worked items for a reasonable price. Rides are also accessible throughout the faire grounds, keeping in mind that they have adapted the rides to the theme of the Renaissance times. One ride in particular caught my eye, and that was the 'merry go round', which instead of horses had canvassed chairs that the children could sit in. Being that there weren't any machines back in the Renaissance period, the ride was powered by two burly tartan-clad lads, pushing and pulling a wheel of sorts, which powered the ride, emitting squeals of laughter from the children on board. As the lads brushed their beads of sweat from their thick, muscular arms, and tousled their thick hair, it was a sight to be seen!

We knew we wanted to experience every event that we could, so we continued along our way. Paul and Craig decided to try their hand at the archery stand, showing off their perfect skill at hitting the bulls eye, after about ten attempts. Well, let's say that they were close. If archery is not for you, there are many other events, all desgined to test your strength and skill; prizes are awarded for some events. We stopped to witness the red tailed hawk, swooping around the jousting arena, exciting the viewers. There were also animal exhibits, which included the extraordinary lions, Bengal tigers, Ligers (yes, lions and tigers do sometimes interbreed), Snow leopards, Chinese leopards, White Siberian tigers, jaguars and golden tigers; and their adorable tiger and lion cubs. There were performers throughout the faire grounds; mimes, jugglers, street entertainers, talented musicians and even some surprise guests. We couldn't stay for the jousting event, which was the ever-popular "battle to the death", as we had to head home soon..

Believe me, you are well entertained when you attend the King Richard's Faire! It was time to head home, and we were quite exhausted from walking around the faire grounds. We had just about made our way to the exit, but paused for a moment as we starred in awe! There they were; clad in soft, velvet robes, flowing gowns, adorned with rubies and diamonds, ornately decorated crowns, and a large court that followed. The King and Queen of the faire. People everywhere, bowed and courtseyed to the royal couple, as they headed to the jousting arena for the battle to the death from the mighty knights of the kings table.

Now our day was complete, having seen the King and Queen of the realm, and we could head on home, knowing that the events of the day would forever linger in our thoughts. So, if you want to spend a day, free from the stressful events of evey day life, wipe all your worries away, and be entertained for a minimal cost, then come to King Richard's Faire in Carver. You won't be dissapointed!

King Richard's Faire is open on Saturdays and Sundays from Labor Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend. Gates open at 10:30 am and close at 6:00pm. To get to the faire from Providence, take 195 East to I-495 North to Route 58, then follow the signs to their gates. You can find them online at www.kingrichardsfaire.net

About the author, Linda Eagleson: Linda Eagleson has been a writer for as long as she can remember. She has been published in local papers, anthologies, and columns, and participates in poetry slams throughout the state.

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