Renaissance Festival opens 42nd season here

A dragon ride is one of the attractions at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, which is open on weekends through Columbus Day at 130th and State Avenue, Bonner Springs.

With something for everyone, the Renaissance Festival launched its 42nd season at 130th and State in Bonner Springs on Labor Day weekend.

From fire-eaters and zip-lining to camel and dragon rides, kids from 2 to 92 are offered a multitude of fun activities surrounded by a multitude dames and damsels dressed in medieval garb of Merry Olde England – including the Lady Mayor of the Renaissance Village and the King’s shoemaker (as pictured).

In all, there are more than 200 artisan shoppes, 25 stages of entertainment, daily jousts and well in excess of 100 choices of gourmet specialties ranging from turkey legs, Reuben dogs and corn on the cob to fried marshmallows, cheesecake on a stick and strawberry shortcake.

This year’s festival is open each Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 14 along with Columbus Day, Monday, Oct, 8. The hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Parking is free.

The Renaissance Festival was founded in 1977 as a benefit to the Kansas City Art Institute and has since grown to be one of the largest Renaissance Festivals in the U.S., attracting more than 200,000 persons each fall. For more information, visit http://www.kcrenfest.com/.

Visitors to the Renaissance Festival will see royalty. The event continues on weekends through Columbus Day at 130th and State Avenue, Bonner Springs.
The Renaissance Festival includes a ziplining ride. The festival continues on weekends through Columbus Day at 130th and State Avenue, Bonner Springs.
A fire eater is one of the attractions at the Renaissance Festival. The festival continues on weekends through Columbus Day at 130th and State Avenue, Bonner Springs.
Camel rides are another attraction at the Renaissance Festival. The festival continues on weekends through Columbus Day at 130th and State Avenue, Bonner Springs.