Once upon a time, in the far off land of Tampa, there was a little village called Fittleworth that would annually throw open its gates and become a portal to another land filled with kings, queens, mermaids, and medieval magic. Last night, Fittleworth opened its gates to the media for a private preview of the festivities to come.
From the moment I arrived, I knew I was in for a good time. I was greeted at the door by a man dressed from head to toe in leaves. He was even planted in a pot for good measure. He told jokes, he posed for pictures, he even high-fived me on my way out. Once everyone else arrived, the queen and her royal court took the stage and introduced us to the first performer of the evening, Will E. Bay, a merchant looking to peddle his wares. Many were sold on products like roxy-clean or the burlap blanket and I must admit I was tempted by the straw memory foam pillow that conforms to the ground you throw it on.
After that, Manolete took the stage and sang folk songs about dragons and deadly trials while we ate, drank, and laughed. Gypsies danced to seductive tunes. The Acrobellum wowed the crowd with acrobatic people stacking, shape making, and even popcorn at the end. Girls wreathed in flowers picked volunteers for a dance around the May pole. Mermaids flopped on shore and screeched loudly for the queen's alcohol. A wizard wandered through the line of people waiting to get food. Some dressed up as their favorite medieval character: elves, knights, rogues, oh my!
I had a chance to explore the village of Fittleworth a bit and found many attractions from years past being set up. The squares of the human chessboard were being put into place. Pits were being dug for "The Ultimate Dive Mud Show." I even saw construction crews adding hay bales for the jousting tournament and nailing up targets for the Axe Throw contest.
I had a great time and this was only a preview. The real show starts on Feb. 14 and will run on the weekends until the end of March.
Each weekend will have its own theme.
Feb. 14-15
Bring a someone special Valentine's Day Weekend for Wine, Chocolate, and Romance and compete in the Newlywed Game for a chance to win a Renaissance Romance package.
Feb. 21-22
Celebrate the inner Scotsman in you the next weekend with the Highland Fling. Register to compete in games of strength from stone throwing to arm wrestling for cash prizes. Raise the Jolly Roger for the Buccaneer Beer and Pet Fest on February 28.There will be a tattoo contest and all day wine and beer tastings.
March 7-8
Flight of Fantasy — This theme features a belly dancing competition, fantasy mask contest and steampunk costume contest.
March 14-15
Wear green for Shamrocks and Shenanigans, the largest St. Paddy's Day party in the Bay Area. Dance to traditional Irish music or cheer on your favorite contestant in the kilt competition.
March 21-22
Set sail for the High Seas Adventure. If you pride yourself on facial hair enter the best beard competition or wear your best pirate garb for the perfect pirate contest.
March 27
Teachers bring your students on March 27 for Festival Friday. It'll be a day full of fun and education. There's also happy hour for adults too starting at 3 p.m.
March 28-29
If you like good barbecue, come to the final RenFest weekend for the Barbarian BBQ Bash. Enter your fare in the BBQ competition, enjoy free cake with the king, and while you eat, watch the Florida State Archery Championship.