There was a light shower early in the morning, too -- and then the wind began to rise. That helped to dry up the ground right quickly, but it also helped throw a ton of sand and grit into the air, also. Worse, it was a cold wind, even though the Texas sun was already hot enough by March to sunburn the fairegoers. Cloaks were a necessity that day -- and any odd corner which afforded even the merest protection from wind and sand was most welcome. Of course, a bit o'weather can't deter hardcore playtrons (such as the young lady at right), who quickly donned their garb and headed out for Opening Gate.

Excalibur may be a small faire, but it is very well-played -- and most well-attended by a very loyal following. Being the first renfest of the Texas faire season, too, all the local Rennies from Houston and Austin were out in force, not to mention the playtrons and Rennies from such far-off and exotic locales as Dallas and Beaumont! For instance, Madam Fatima (AKA Pat Rikard; photo, left) had her psychic booth up at Excalibur, while the Tavern Knight ran the Creative Life Renaissance bookstore close by the Adult Pub. That day, I also encountered Ben (the Demonick Faerie at TRF); Dana and Kim (AKA Lord and Lady Stalkwell; AKA "The RenFaire Stalkers"); Kat (the feline faerie from TRF); as well as most of the Knights of Chaos, who were camping there over the weekend. In addition, there was also a whole host of other playtrons and Rennies I only know by sight, though not by name.

Did I already mention the wind that day??? On Opening Day it tugged unmercifully at our cloaks and tossed hair around right playfully, like this young couple huddling together for protection from the gale near the Main Gate (Photo, Right). Unfortunately, it was not always so playful. Dana and Kim ("The Stalkwells"), for example, have achieved a considerable reputation in the Rennish community for their excellent renfaire photography, especially their portraits of Rennish players and personalities. Myself, I truly enjoy hanging out with them as, being fellow photographers, they often see photo opportunities I would otherwise miss on my own. Now as usual with them, they were toting their professional-quality digital cameras complete with 3000mm "cannonbarrel" telephoto lens that day. With those lens, they can easily capture the navel jewelry adorning a bellydancer onstage from a quarter-mile away (whereas with me, I must needs almost jam my little camera into a subject's face in order to take a decent shot)! Needless to say, their extensive portfolio of candid Rennish portraits is quite extraordinary. Alas, the swirling dust devils truly played Hob with both their cameras. Before the day was out, all that airborne grit had penetrated the inner workings of their telephoto lens, locking both of them up -- and forcing them to fall back on camera systems much like mine. Not that I escaped unscathed, mind you: the shutter of my own camera became quite "sticky" ere nightfall, grinding something fiercely every time I pressed the button!

My most memorable moment at ERF, however, was another encounter with one of the wee Faerie Folk. At the time, I was at the Adult Pub, enjoying the "Hands of Fatima" bellydancing show (Photo, below: the flags tell the story. Despite the windbreak behind the dancer, it was still a COLD wind for such a scantily-clad young lady. Mayhap that were WHY their shows were so high-spirited and energetic -- they were simply trying to stay warm that day!). As I was watching, I also noticed this little Faerie Lass going from patron to patron, apparently offering them something from her hand before moving on to the next. Eventually she approached me. When she opened her wee hand, I saw immediately that she held a fistful of Dragon Tears ("florist stones") and Pixie Dust ("glitter") most protectively. Carefully she took a tiny pinch of Pixie Dust and offered it to me, saying "It's Magick!" with the most sincere gravity you can imagine. "Blessed Be!" I offered as she turned to go. Had I been thinking clearly at that moment, I should've gotten my camera ready, for next she approached three of ERF's security guards: all of them outfitted in full uniform with guns and holsters. Now mind you: this little Faerie stood no more than three feet tall, while each of the guards easily stood a big, burly six-foot at the least! Nonetheless, each one had to bend w-a-y over to receive a precious pinch of Pixie Dust from this tiny lass -- all delivered with uttermost seriousness and sincerity on her part. I mean, she well and truly believed she were a Faerie; her Pixie Dust was magickal; and everything about Excalibur was absolutely real! It was, for me, one of those rare and cherished moments when the True Magick of Faire breaks through -- and I thoughtlessly forgot to capture even a single image of it, ALAS!!!

GARB and CHARACTERS--Fifteen views of Players and Playtrons at the Excalibur Renaissance Festival!

JOUSTING--Nine views of Tournament action at the Excalibur Renaissance Festival!

THE ROYAL WEDDING--Nine views of the wedding of Guinevere and King Arthur at the Excalibur Renaissance Festival!

Standard Disclaimer: This webpage is strictly an *Unofficial* look at the Excalibur Renaissance Festival held near Bastrop, TX. The author of these pages is in no way, shape, manner or form connected with the Excalibur Renaissance Festival (OFFICE ADDRESS: 1007 Main St., Suite E, Bastrop, TX 78602) and/or any of the sponsors associated with this event. All opinions expressed are strictly this author's own. Unless noted otherwise, all photographs are copyright ©2000-2003 by George Laking.