Much Ado About Sebastopol

Fairgoers from last year's Much Ado About Sebastopol (photo by Claudia Laughter)

Huzzah, my good fellows! It’s that time of year when Ives Park transforms into the fictional 16th century town of Fenford for Much Ado About Sebastopol. On September 22nd & 23rd, be transported to Elizabethan times for their 3rd annual Renaissance Celebration.

Queen Elizabeth (photo by Claudia Laughter)

If you arrive early enough to Much Ado About Sebastopol you will hear the firing of the cannon – the signal that announces the start of another new 16th century day. On the day of your visit, the town is all aflutter because Queen Elizabeth is making a rare appearance! Peasants in bright colored chemises will be spinning lace, making cheese, or shamelessly fluttering their eyes at anyone passing by. Knights in shining armor will fight to the death in a dramatic sword fight….or at least until one of them concedes. And the Queen and her royal company will greet the town before settling into an elaborate feast. There will be games of familiar rules but medieval in practice (like the popular rat-a-pult, a game that is exactly as it sounds). Students can take part in a Renaissance Scavenger Hunt. Around the grounds will be theatrical performances, fortune telling, musicians, and more. And there will be plenty of opportunity to create memorable keepsakes such as sachets, herbal soaps, wooden toys, and more.

If ye be parched or lacking in sustenance, a Renaissance celebration wouldn’t be complete without a wide array of artisanal foods and frothy ales! Available for purchase from the many vendors will be oysters, turkey legs, gallettes, and a thirst-quencing selection of ales from Lagunitas Brewing Company to fill your stein.

And if thou art most inclined, wear your finest 16th century frocks and leave your street costumes at home. While no mistress or kind sirs will be turned away for lack of classic attire, it is much more fun to be a part of the scene – whether ye be wench or noble. A proper inquiry to Lord Google can give tips on 16th century apparel, or you can just purchase your garments from one of the faire vendors.

Faire maiden (photo by Claudia Laughter)

The Faire takes place on Saturday, September 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday September 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ives Park located at 7400 Willow St in Sebastopol. Tickets are $12/adults ad $7 students (6-14) for a single day, and $20/adults and $10/students for both days. Children under 6 are free. Presale tickets offer a $2 discount if bought before the event at muchadoaboutsebastopol.com. There will also be a special dinner with French trained chef Rick Vargas from 6-10 p.m. on Saturday for an additional charge.

Every year, Much Ado About Sebastopol partners with the Sebastopol Educational Foundation to benefit several local schools.  This year, proceeds from the event go towards Park Side Elementary, Brook Haven K-8, and Analy High School.

For more information, visit muchadoaboutsebastopol.com.