Walking through a time portal to 15th Century England, Filiz Odabas, junior, was greeted by a man with a leotard around his legs and jester bells hanging from his hat. All around her, people in costumes were speaking Elizabethan English as if right out of William Shakespeare.  There were shops selling flutes and jewelry and turkey legs.  In an arena nearby, knights were jousting and beside the arena were a group of singers singing an English madrigal at the Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs.

“Everything was set like in the time period,” Odabas said. “There were comedians and actors that talked like they were in the Renaissance.” 

Going to the festival each year is an important tradition for some. “I have gone every year,” Chris Worley, sophomore, said. “I want to keep this tradition alive.” 

This year marked the 25th anniversary of the Madrigals singing at the festival. “It’s really enjoyable because we get to be part of the performance,” Brynn Johnson, sophomore, said. “People don’t know much about music that was played in that time period and it’s liberating to show them what it’s like.” 

The Renaissance Festival is a big place and it’s difficult to cover all its ground.  “We had 10 hours there and still didn’t get to see everything,” Odabas said. 

The costumes are an important part of the festival.

“No matter who’s there, no one will look at you like you’re out of place,” Worley said. 

At times, the costumes can be a bit too authentic. 

“Sometimes with the costumes, you see more of people than you want to,” Amy Seeds, senior, said. “Like one lady had a happy trail that was exposed.  I didn’t want to see that.” 

There are activities, such as sword fights, and shows that are presented by actors. 

“The shows are pretty entertaining,” Worley said. “The year before last, I participated in a sword fight and got beat by a girl. It wasn’t fair.” 

Although the things that are sold at the Renaissance festival are unique, some are too expensive.

“I got a waxed rose and a turkey leg. Turkey legs are just what you get at the Renaissance festival because you can’t get them anywhere else,” Seeds said.” The Renaissance Festival is a pleasant experience for most. 

“I’m happy I went, it was cool,” Odabas said.