Golden Gate Renaissance Faire raises money for local schools in San Francisco with a full weekend of theatrical pageantry

Two Day Event will raise money for local schools in San Francisco with Non-Stop Entertainment For All Ages

San Francisco, CA – July 28, 2006 Queens of England, ambassadors from foreign lands and juggling jesters, winsome wenches, lords and ladies, knight of horseback, squires and simpletons. They aren't just the stuff of fairy tales. They'll all gather August 26th and 27th, for San Francisco’s favorite festival, the third annual Golden Gate Renaissance Faire.

Set against the backdrop of the Speedway Meadow, Golden Gate Park, the festival is a chance for everyone - from the Shakespearean scholar to the casual observer - to take a step back in history. Non-stop entertainment will be provided on the streets by over a thousand s of colorfully costumed performers. The faire will feature 5 stages of continuous entertainment including two courts fighting for power, expertly staged battle scenes and theatrical performances, lively crafts marketplace, puppet shows, storytelling for children (and adults), belly dancers, knights on horses, musicians, archery tournaments and more.

The lanes of the festival and will be filled with savory dishes, fine wine and ale. Patrons will participate in archery, javelin throws, and fencing. Activities for the children will include games, crafts, a petting zoo, puppet shows and storytelling.

Weekend’s highlights include Knights of Azure Cross, a jousting troupe that will compete in duels on horseback twice daily. 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. It is almost guaranteed that a scuffle will break out between the battling knights, and just as surely the Queen will restore order.

The cast of over a 1000 actors and groups reaching four corners of USA will be led by three talented and seasoned actresses performing roles of Queens Jane Gray and Mary Tudor and Princess Elizabeth. Queen Jane will be played by 18 year old Megan Fisher, resident of San Diego. Megan has been performing at Renaissance events for over three years as a member of St. Augustine Guild. Her supporting cast will be led by the CastleWood House performance troupe based in Sacramento. Liz Martin of Sacramento will play the Queen Mary Tudor. Liz’ involvement in acting and Renaissance Faires spans more than a decade. Her supporting cast includes members of the renowned English court guilds: St. Stephens and St. George.

"It happens live, right before your eyes," says Bill Watters, organizer of the event. "It is the one thing that everyone will remember. Many people may have seen jousting in the movies or on TV, but here there are no cuts or edits."

A portion of festival profits will be donated to a local San Francisco high school. “We hope to continue to direct attention towards preserving arts programs as a part of the educational curriculum,” said Marti Miernik, performance director of the Golden Gate and Renaissance Productions. ”Studies have long shown the positive impact the arts have on children. And in that vein, we hope to help preserve and support after hours and performing arts programs of one school that needs it most.”

About 10,000 patrons are expected to attend this year's Golden Gate Renaissance Faire. The faire will run August 26th and 27th. Gates will open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

The cost of admission is $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for seniors, military, and ages 13-17, $5.00 for children 6-12. Children under six are free. For more information, and directions to the grounds, visit www.ggfaire.com or call 415 354 1773.