BONNER SPRINGS, Kan. — Festivals abound across the Kansas City area during the holiday weekend, but only one — the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, which draws thousands of visitors each weekend — transports visitors back in time.
"I enjoy the jousting, the dashing knights, the armor," festival character "Sir Charles Brandon" said. "There is a little blood by 5 o'clock."
It's a visual feast for those interested in medieval times, including everything from sword fights to fire breathers.
People from around the region come annually to tromp around the replica European village. Axe- and knife-throwing booths were popular on the opening weekend.
“Just checking this out, I’ve never been here, but I just hear about it," Olathe resident Bud Conklin said. "Something fun to come see."
Another highlight for kids was fighting with a knight, which one local boy called "the coolest thing he had done."
"This because I beat him at sword fighting," Gavin Kavoc from Kansas City said.
Overall, families wanted to enjoy time together and make memories.
“Something totally different," Conklin said. "You really don’t get anything like this, really anywhere. It’s something fun to do."
The festival runs weekend and holidays through Oct. 14.
