By Amy Batista, Special Writer
MANSFIELD — The players of the fourth annual New Jersey Renaissance Faire, merchants and guests traveled back to the days of yore and merry olde England the past two weekends.
The annual event, which celebrates the English Renaissance — and draws thousands of people from New York to Pennsylvania to the area — took place at the historic village of Shire of Crossford — a setting at Liberty Lake in Mansfield Township.
”We thank the good people of Crossford for their time, for their gracious (hospitality) and bid them to return next year for the first two weekends in June for the New Jersey Renaissance Faire,” said Curt Foy, of Atco, as he played King Edward on Sunday.
Liberty Lake is a park that offers space for company picnics, corporate outings and special events as well as its own summer camp program, serving youngsters from Bordentown to Chesterfield.
”This place is a home for a lot of us, and it is a highlight in the year for many of our guests,” said T.J. Miller, of Lambertville, on Monday. He acted as William Wallace of Scotland during this year’s show.
The local faire began in 2009 and was created by Mr. Miller and John Williams along with Andy Pritikin, and Phil Leipf.
Mr. Miller said of the community’s initial response to the faire, “Something magical happened, and we all have been following that wave on its journey.”
Those attending this June were able to witness comedy, tragedy, sword fighting, dancing, singing, knights jousting, jesters and archery and participate in the Quest for the Rose — a children’s scavenger hunt — among other activities.
Mr. Miller said, “At the end of the day, I have guest after guest come up to me and tell me that they had a wonderful time. And that their kids tell us they cannot wait to come back.”
During a live performance Sunday, Aileen Goldberg, of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, said to those gathered, “King Edward and his Queen Margaret are thoroughly enjoying their time in 1560.” She played Queen Margaret.
”It is good to be the king,” Mr. Foy said.
Ms. Goldberg agreed, “It is good to be the queen.”
”It is wondrous,” Ms. Goldberg said of the opportunity to play the queen.
Ms. Goldberg was returning for a second year.
”My favorite part is performing ‘Macbeth,’” Ms. Goldberg said.
For Mr. Foy, he said his highlight was “squaring up against the likes of (William) Wallace.”
According to Mr. Miller, more than 1,000 students from New Jersey and Pennsylvania attend those days. The organizers also do about 20 to 50 school outreach programs throughout the year where they do educational programs as well as performing three other Renaissance Faires throughout the year, including one weekend street festival as well as a murder mystery dinner theater and literature show at Valenzano Winery in Shamong.
”Our in-house acting company has about 50 to 60 people, plus we have about 28 different variety acts,” Mr. Miller said. “Our full cast also includes our awesome vendors and about 50 support staff who do everything from serve food, work in our concessions stands, clean up the grounds and handle administration needs.”
Richard Wippich, of Dover, Delaware, likes that it is a “quaint” fair.
Dan Bonham, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, has been attending Renaissance Faires for around 18 years.
”It’s nice to see a small faire growing,” Mr. Bonham said.
His wife, Kathy, agreed.
Paul Kuhn and his wife, Marilyn, of Schaghticoke, New York, said, “We have been trying to get here for four years,” Mr. Kuhn said. “It’s lovely. We are so happy that we are here, and we are looking forward to seeing the rest of it.”
”It’s a wonderful atmosphere here,” Ms. Kuhn said. “It’s a nice venue.”
Kristin Bucci, of Hamilton, was of the artisans participating. She makes candles, starting with a star-shaped mold and carving from there with about 15 minutes of dipping and 15 minutes of carving to complete the candle.
”I started three years ago,” Ms. Bucci said. “Little did I know how hot it would be to stand with a bonfire behind me and ferry furnace in front of me.”
For Ms. Bucci, the highlight of the event is the children who come by to watch.
”They never get tired of asking questions,” Ms. Bucci added.
For Brian Broderick, 8, of Roebling, who was dressed like Harry Potter, his favorite part was riding on the paddle boats on the lake.
Shaun Grady, of Atco, was selected from the audience to assist in helping Jacques Ze Whipper, played by Jack Lepiarz, of Boston, during his performance, which featured whips and comedy, which “cracked up” the audience.
”I like it a lot,” Mr. Grady said. “It’s definitely family friendly.”
The highlight for Mr. Grady was the human chess game played by the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland.
Mr. Lepiarz is no stranger to the stage. He has been performing for 17 years.
”It started with my dad,” Mr. Lepiarz said.
He started performing when he was 6 years old with his father at King Richard’s Faire and start cracking whips at age 7.
The Sala family, of Marlton, has been coming for the last three years.
”It just keeps getting better,” Joe Sala said.
For additional information, visit www.NJRenFaire.com.
