The Pageantry Returns to Golden Gate Park

What to expect at the 5th annual spectacle of fun and excitement:

Brave knights clad in shining armor thundering down the list on their spectacular horses at ferocious speeds trying to knock one another off. Stilt walkers, jugglers, fire- eaters and jesters perform over-the-top stunts. Swordsmen expertly wield their weapons in the daily sword tournaments. A court of justice dispenses punishment to children who did not mind their parents and husbands or wives who did not express their love enough times. Mud diving peasants kissing the feet of passing by patrons who happen to take the moment to peruse the scene. Two courts battling for power and prestige, Nobles in incredible, colorful garments of golds, silks, and velvet. The fourth annual Golden Gate Renaissance Faire, in San Francisco, CA., held August 16th-17th is the ultimate Renaissance bash, a lively Dionysian party, where the guests enjoy turkey legs, exotic food, and drink as they banter with the myriad performers filling the streets. The event sports one-of-a-kind shows, music, and comedy. Just a sampling of the talent includes:

• Myth and Magic, a two men comedy and magic show
• Fowl Tales, a one man, three parrot and one dog extravaganza performance that charms and entertains the whole family.
• Trey Cromwell, Professional Showoff, a one man danger show that combines combining variety arts like juggling, contortion and escape artistry into a seamless whole.
• The Merry Praynksters, a country dancing group, will whirl and wind among the patrons with their period dancing while Danse Macabre will progress through the streets enthralled in their dance with death their hunting music and attire leaving patrons in awe.

Knights of Mayhem, a professional jousting troupe made up of actual International Jousting Champions will compete in duels on horseback twice daily showcasing their stunning horsemanship and skillful spectacles in Pas De Arms contests. The Knights of Mayhem boast the very best in jousting, showmanship, horsemanship and Medieval entertainment. Their jousts are never scripted, but simply a way for them to keep fit for the time they face themselves again not as compatriots but as competitors. And as they never pull punches, an unhorsing is ever an imminent possibility. Contests will include spear throwing, ring spearing and cabbage cutting. And then, onlookers will be astounded by the action of the hard-hitting lance-splitting jousting. Hundreds of pounds of man, horse and metal collide and do battle right before your eyes.

Come cheer swordsmen fighting for the prize: Throughout the day on Saturday a rapier tournament will be held by St. Michael's Salle d'Armes, then on Sunday they will offer lectures and lessons on the use of the sword.

A portion of the proceeds to benefit a local high school drama and literacy programs