So the King's welcoming speech with his royal proclaimation to throw wide the gates and let the festivities commence was followed, instead, by a l-o-n-g, empty silence that stretched on and on and on... Only embarassed looks and sheepish grins answered His Majesty's query of "Do we have an opening cannon???!?" Fortunately, the Master-of-Arms at the Gate (Photo, Left) was more than ready for the occasion. Taking a deep breath, he threw back his head and roared:

As usual, LRF managed to impress me all over again this year. I mean, I was hugged; I was kissed; I was even serenaded by a wandering minstrel -- and all on that very same day!!! Instrooth, one of my brightest memories of LRF 2001 was a brief encounter with one of the visiting Fae Folk. It happened thusly: despite being early November, the weather was both sunny and quite hot on Opening Day, under a cloudless sky with hardly a breeze stirring. Just the kind of weather to raise a man's thirst, quickly! So I had just purchased a flask of ice-cold water and stepped aside off the path to enjoy it, when suddenly I felt a sudden but soft impact on my legs.

Looking down, I was startled to find a wee fairy no more than four or five years old at best, with both arms around me, hugging me for all she was worth!

Now I suspect that she was having such a wonderful day at LRF -- enjoying all the color and music and excitement of faire with her family -- that she just wanted to express her joy and appreciation to someone, anyone! And, as it turned out, I was the first character in garb she happened to spy when the thought struck her.

Even so, the genuine spontaneity of her innocent gesture simply stunned me, right there and then. Fortunately, I recovered my wits quickly enough to reach into my pouch, pull out a few remaining Dragon Tears and offer them all to her. That's when she really stole my heart!

The wee lass carefully looked over the Tears, then reached out and deliberately took just one to her liking. When I told her she could have them all -- and even with her mother standing nearby encouraging her to take them -- she only picked out two more Tears and stepped back, smiling sweetly. Now THAT was truly gratifying!

Quite honestly, I had fully expected her to take them all at first offer. Instead, she took only what she truly wanted: three Dragon Tears -- no more, no less. Her UNselfishness was so complete and genuine, it not only warmed me old heart the rest of that day but restored much of my faith in the younger generations!

And then I got kissed! At the time, I was heading for the Food Court, trying to get into position to capture the Royal Procession when I passed by a young couple in garb, going in the opposite direction toward the adult pub. What caught my eye -- outside of her bright red hair! -- was the fact that the young lass had a wine bottle skillfully balanced across her bosom as she walked.

She certainly gave a new meaning to the old term "wine rack" -- ah, but if only she could pour from that position! Instantly I knew I just HAD to have a picture of her, so spinning on my heels I quickly overtook them and politely requested her portrait. The Aisling, as she named herself, was more than happy to oblige (Photo, Right).

Since my new camera is digital, I then showed her the resulting portrait. At which point she abruptly gave me a quick peck on the cheek -- leaving me speechless with surprise -- before continuing on her way. Aye, t'was a most chaste and daughterly kiss, but t'was the first time ANY of my photo subjects has EVER kissed me just for taking their picture!

As an aside: I also got to meet The Aisling and her SO, again -- along with friends Billy Tharp and Linda Schneider, too -- at the adult pub on Closing Weekend. As I was heading for the final Joust of the day, I suddenly heard my name called out from the dark depths of the pub. Needless to say, it was both a surprise and a pleasure to see them all there, especially as I had NO idea Linda and Billy were planning a visit to LRF. So much for the jousting....

Instead, we raised quite a few glasses together -- and finished the day by heckling Erika, the Lyrical Lassie, something outrageously during her performance. That certainly made Closing Weekend at LRF truly memorable for me!

And then I was serenaded! Walking down The Serpentine from the Main Gate, I happened to encounter Craig of Ferrington, LRF's wandering Troubador. Now here was a fellow who truly LOOKED like a medieval Minstrel!

So I requested his portrait (Photo, Left), then offered him a small tip for his time and trouble. Ah, but he felt he had to give value for value received. At which point he launched into a bawdy rendition of his own original creation, "The Breast Song," singing several ribald verses which left me literally in tears from laughing out loud.

Of his ballad, Craig said simply: "I just took all the breast jokes I knew and set them to music." No matter -- the result is truly hilarious and most entertaining! So should you meet up with Craig, whether at LRF 2002 or on the streets of another faire elsewhere, be SURE to ask for "The Breast Song." He WILL leave you helpless with laughter, I guarantee!

And then I met Cardinal Sinnius Vice (Photo, Left, taken at LRF 2000). For a small gratuity, he offered me an Indulgence absolving me of my favorite Deadly Sin. Alas, I told him, but I have THREE: certes, but I do love the ladies (LUST), of which LRF has a most bountiful supply; but I am far too lazy (SLOTH) to actually chase after them; so I eat and drink to excess (GLUTTONY), instead. Ah, but I underestimated the good Cardinal! He thought but a moment, then handed me the following Indulgence (Photo, Right), for the Deadly Sin of S(loth)LU(st,glu)TTONY: SLUTTONY.

The EIGHTH DEADLY SIN!!!

Now these are just a few of my best memories of Opening Day, 2001. Hard to imagine, but LRF actually got even better for me as their season progressed! With such wonderful memories as these, is it any wonder then that the Louisiana Renaissance Festival has quickly become one of my all-time favorite Faires???!?

As usual, LRF's greatest asset is their people: the completely openhanded friendliness and playful spirit of all their players, cast and krew. On Opening Day alone they not only welcomed me like a long-lost friend but instantly treated me like "one of the family"! It's that unique combination of genuine friendliness and generous hospitality which keeps me going back to Hammond again and again and again!

Not that the Louisiana Renaissance Festival is a big faire, but what they might lack in size they more than make up for with sheer HEART! LRF sprawls over just ten acres (lake included), with three main stages and 75 booths, total. Nor have they changed much physically since the 2000 season. The Mad Hatter, I noted, has finally been finished, and that both Castle Creations and the DragonForge were sporting fresh coats of paint on Opening Day. Indeed, the greatest change at LRF was not immediately visible to the visitor's eye...

In fact, Ron Haring, Construction Manager at LRF, actually had to point out to me the new culverts and drainage ditches on site! The Weather Godz were not kind to LRF at the turn of the Millenium: out of their six-weekend run last year, it rained continuously for five -- and even closed them down when the site flooded, at least once!

So this year they prepared for the worst -- and had only a single rainy day all season long!!!

Apparently I'm not the only one who truly appreciates LRF's friendly hospitality. There was quite a crowd on Opening Day 2001, patiently waiting for the gates to open, with more patrons arriving throughout the day. On a subsequent visit, I was told that LRF made more on Opening Day than they took in over the entire 2000 Season -- a fact which not only says much for a small faire with a very big heart, but also bodes well for their future. HUZZAH! for the Louisiana Renaissance Festival!!!

JOUSTING at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival: eleven views of the action in the Lists!

LRF 2000 -- A Photo Essay of their First Season, with a Virtual Tour of LRF for your viewing pleasure.

Standard Disclaimer: This webpage is strictly an *Unofficial* look at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival held near Hammond, LA in the Parish of Tangipahoa. The author of these pages is in no way, shape, manner or form connected with the Louisiana Renaissance Festival (OFFICE ADDRESS: PO Box 220, Robert, LA 70455-0220) and/or any of the sponsors associated with this event. All opinions expressed are strictly this author's own. LRF logo courtesy of the Louisiana Renaissance Festival. Unless noted otherwise, all photographs are copyright ©2000-2002 by George Laking.