A Weekend of Theatrical Pageantry Turns Golden Gate Park into a One-Of-A-Kind Spectacle That Caters To Both Young, Old, and Everyone in Between

San Francisco, CA – July 10, 2007: Brave knights clad in shining armor thunder down the list on their spectacular horses at ferocious speeds while trying to knock one another off their steeds. 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 kiss the feet of passing by patrons who happen to take the moment to peruse the scene. In sharp contrast, the Queen’s court makes a regal entrance dressed in incredible, colorful garments of gold, silks, and velvet. Voices and music announce the arrival and passage of her Majesty, and her nobles and ambassadors.

The fourth annual Golden Gate Renaissance Faire, in San Francisco, CA., held August 25-26th 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.

One of the Weekend’s highlights will be the Knights of Mayhem, a professional jousting troupe made up of actual jousting champions who 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. The Knights come from as far as Utah and Michigan to perform their unique show and are not an experience to be missed. The two lead Knights - Charlie Andrews and Shane Adams both hold International Jousting Titles and are considered some of the hardest hitting Knights of the International Jousting Circuit. 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.

The cast of over a 1000 actors and groups come together from the four corners of the country and will be led by three talented and seasoned actresses performing roles of Queens Jane Gray and Mary Tudor and the young 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’s Guild. Her supporting cast will be led by the Saint Marie, a renowned improv group from the Los Angeles area. Liz Martin will play the role of Queen Mary Tudor. Liz’ involvement in acting and Renaissance Faires spans more than a decade. Her supporting courtiers includes members of the renowned English court guilds: St. Stephens and St. George.

"It happens live, right before your eyes and all around," says Bill Watters, organizer of the event. "The immersive experience of a faire is the one thing that everyone will remember. Many people may have seen jousting in the movies or on TV, but here you are in the midst of the action and spectacle."

100s of merchants will display various wares and one of the kind items and crafts for sale. They include clothing, jewelry, leatherworks and swords. There will also be food vendors selling everything from Turkey legs to crepes to Oriental food to scones, popcorn and other treats for every preference.

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 programs and the performing arts.”

About 10,000 patrons are expected to attend over the two days of this year's Golden Gate Renaissance Faire. The faire will run August 25th and 26th. 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.