The Bay Area Renaissance Festival opens with it Highland Fling Weekend, Feb. 13-14, featuring the Florida State Highland Games, traditional bagpipe performances and a congregating of Scottish clans, organizations and others.
TAMPA - The Bay Area Renaissance Festival returns to Tampa Bay, Feb. 13-14, for the first of seven weekends devoted fantasy, medieval history and fun.
The festival opens with it Highland Fling Weekend, featuring the Florida State Highland Games, traditional bagpipe performances and congregating of Scottish clans, organizations and others.
The theme-weekends continue with Italian Carnivale, Feb. 20-21; Wine, Chocolate and Romance, Feb. 27-28; Buccaneer Beer Fest, March 6-7; Shamrocks and Shenanigans, March 13-14; Wonders of the World, March 20-21; and March 27-28, High Seas Adventure.
For 32 years, the Bay Area Renaissance Festival has been entertaining residents and guests from both sides of Tampa Bay. Some Pinellas County residents may remember when the festival took over Largo Central Park where the festivities were held from 1979-2003. In 2004, the festival was moved to Tampa to its new location next to the Museum of Science and Industry.
The theme weekends are wrapped around a variety of events including daily human chess match battles and a royal parade.
Visitors to the shire of Fittleworth will find a number of national and local entertainment acts, including comedians, musicians, jugglers, stage combatants and jousters. Artisans will offer goods made from glass, metal, leather, stone, pottery, fabric and wood.
Organizers say one of the most popular attractions is the food at the faire, which is priced at $5 and under. The menu includes turkey legs, fish and chips, chicken kabobs and cheesecake on a stick, plus vendors selling sandwiches, pork chops on a stick, kettle corn, roasted almonds and desserts such as strawberry shortcake and homemade ice cream. Drinks include adult beverages, soft drinks and coffee.
Three other culinary-themed events are scheduled each festival weekend. The Queen's Tea, which takes place each afternoon, is a private party featuring a three-course afternoon tea service and entertainment. The Royal Smoker, presented in the early evening, is for adults only and features snacks, cigars, libations and entertainment delights including belly dancing, limericks, comedy and music. The Pirates Fest is a three-course meal with appetizers, main course and dessert.
Tickets to the three events can by purchased at the festival gates. Seating is limited. Tickets also can be ordered by calling 1-800-779-4910 or visit www.bayarearenaissance.fest.com.
The Bay Area Renaissance Festival at MOSI is located at 11315 N. 46th St. in Tampa, Fl., off I-75, exit 265/FL-582, on the corner of Fowler and 46th St., next to MOSI.
The Festival runs weekends Feb. 13 through March 28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., plus Friday, March 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival is open rain or shine.
Daily admission rates at the gate are $17.95 for adults, children ages 5-12 are $9.95, senior tickets are $14.95; ages 4 and under are free. Discount offers can be found online for each weekend. Promoters can be reached at 800-779-4910. Advanced tickets can be purchased at participating Circle Ks, Walgreen's, at MOSI and ClicknPrint Tickets or at www.bayarearenaissancefest.com. Advanced tickets are $13.95 for adults and $5.95 for kids. Subway will have coupons for $3 dollars off any ticket. Parking is free.
Highland Fling
Highlights of opening weekend include:
- Sixth annual Florida State Highland Heavy Games
- Scottish village with dozens of unique displays
- Free beer tasting
- Celtic village
- Kilts for Cancer - calendar contest
- 100-person vow renewals
- Two-for-one at the gate with four cans of food for America's Second Harvest
- Free admission with donation to blood bank
The State Highland Games include a series of nine different events: The 56 pound weight for height, the 56 pound for distance, a caber toss, a sheaf toss, a 16 pound stone throw, 20 pound stone throw, 28 pound weight for distance, a 16 pound hammer throw and a 22 pound hammer throw.
On Sunday, the Florida State Masters Highland Games Championship takes place with the top master competitors from Florida competing for the Florida State Masters title.
Highland game competitions have been a staple at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival since its opening in 1978. The games are a combination of modern strength competition and ancient gaming practices. The Highland Heavy Games Championships bring in competitors from across the globe to compete for the chance to claim the Florida State Championship title.
![[Image]](/content_images/020810_lefest-01.jpg)
