Prepare Thyself for Merriment

The Castle of Muskogee’s annual Oklahoma Renaissance Festival runs May 4 through June 2.

Sir Thomas and Sir Richard joust in the Tournament Arena.

Travel to 1539 Castleton for the Castle of Muskogee’s Oklahoma Renaissance Festival. King Henry VIII and his sister, Queen Margaret of Scotland, are on progress through the fair land, and this year, they are joined by King Francis of France and King James of Scotland. There is sure to be mirth, merriment, and ­mischief throughout the Village.

    More than 600 costumed merchants, artisans, and performers populate Castleton, transporting visitors to the 16th century. Music, comedy, swordplay, and magic can be found on 15 stages throughout the grounds. They welcome several new performers to the stages this year, including Bawdily Harm (comedic swordplay), Black Oak Shillelagh (Celtic music), and Ed “Cheeks” Miller (sea shanties and more). Returning favorites include The Musical Blades, The Jolly Rogers, Karma Dogma, Ez N Dil, The Jester Rejects, Raks al Hassana Bellydance, the Laundry Lasses, and many more.

    Sir Thomas and Sir Richard of The Heroic Knights of Old joust twice each day in the Tournament Arena, The Royal Gauntlet Birds of Prey showcases the grandeur of hawks and ­falcons, and Cast in Bronze fills the arena with the awesome sound of the Carillon bells. The Royal Luncheon is served each day by the arena, where you can dine with His Majesty while watching the tournament below. Inside the Castle Keep you can witness presentations to the Royal Court or attend the Queen’s Tea. Enjoy the 37,000-square-foot Castle with its ­dungeon, Torture Chamber, ­catacombs, and so much more.

    While most of the festival is strictly family entertainment, adults can sneak away to attend the King’s Smoker (21 and over) each afternoon for some bawdy humor. Children and families will delight in the newly ­expanded Woodlands area. Visit Excalibur Keepe to sign good behavior contracts; learn to make marbles, paper, and chain mail; play games; hunt for pirate ­treasure; and explore the Enchanted Faery Forest. Dance around the Maypole or visit the Black House or the Garrison to learn all about life in Renaissance England.

    Don’t forget to indulge in some of the wonderful food all over the site – smoked turkey legs or homemade barbecue, roasted ears of corn, Mediterranean delights, fresh baked bread and pastries, ice cream, and more. And, you can find refreshing drinks (from water to cappuccino to ale) at any one of the eight pubs in the Village. You are welcome to come in plain clothes, a costume of your own, or rent a costume for the day from the shop just inside the Main Entrance. You can even exchange money at the Bank for Castleton coin, accepted throughout the Village.

    Plan now for delightful May days at the Renaissance Festival! The festival will be open each Saturday and Sunday beginning May 4 through June 2, plus Student Day on Friday, May 10 and Memorial Day on Monday, May 27.

    Get your tickets online at www.okcastle.com and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thecastleofmuskogee for all of the updates.

    If you plan to attend the ­festival more than one weekend, consider joining Friends of the Festival for amazing year-round benefits, including a season pass, four extra complimentary tickets, a personalized medallion, ­discounts on the evening events, and discounts at participating merchants. Visit www.okcastle.com/friendsoffestival.htm for complete ­information.

For more information, contact

The Castle of Muskogee

www.okcastle.com

About Author Sheryl Sowell

Sheryl Sowell was born and raised in Tulsa, OK. She graduated from Will Rogers High School and received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Northeastern State University in 2007. She has worked for Value News as editor, writer and advertising copywriter since 2008. She enjoys meeting and interviewing people for Value News articles, learning about their backgrounds, and helping to promote their businesses and local events. In her free time, she enjoys reading, trying new recipes and crafts from Pinterest, attending concerts and sporting events, and spending time with family and friends. Sheryl lives in Tulsa with her fiancé Paul, their daughter Scarlett, and their two dogs, Gunner and Boo.