The Handspinner’s Tale

By Kathy Dean

Mistress Threadbare, Master Spinner of the Spinners of Newcastle has an alter ego— Paula Vester. The 66-year-old Stone Mountain resident has been demonstrating handspinning at the Georgia Renaissance Faire since 1987, one year after it began.

The year it opened, Vester and her family attended the fair. “I noticed that there were no spinners,” she said. “When I saw the auditions notice the next year, I called the director and arranged for our guild to demonstrate. The Peachtree Handspinners Guild has been there ever since, and so have I.”

Vester said the Renaissance Faire has been a wonderful outreach for the guild; at one time a third of the group’s membership were introduced to them there. Peachtree Handspinners Guild, a non-profit organization that meets monthly in Decatur, is dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of the art of handspinning.

“We’re able to talk to the public about our guild and hand out information on our activities, as well as the other textile groups in the metro area,” she explained. “The handspinners are purely educational. We don’t sell anything. The profit from our pay from the fair goes to the guild’s scholarship fund.”

According to Vester, there are a lot of good things about demonstrating at the Renaissance Faire. She gets to educate the public and talk with people all day about something she’s passionate about.

“I love watching the world walk by our booth and interacting with the Village cast, who are all wonderful. My favorites are Barely Balanced Acrobatic Daredevils and the musicians in the pubs and on the grounds,” she said. “I also love watching the yarn grow on my wheel as I spin, and seeing the colors that come out of the dye pots each weekend, turning our basket of wool into a rainbow burst of color.”

The hard part is the heat, and Vester admitted that she’s often exhausted by the end of the weekend. But she perks up once she thinks of meeting more people the next weekend, and of all the exciting things she can do with her newly spun and dyed yarn.

Vester invited everyone to visit her and the other spinners at the fair. “Stop by the Peachtree Handspinners Guild booth. It’s to the left as you walk in the front gate. We’re there all day, spinning, dyeing and talking with people.”

Find out more about the Peachtree Handspinners at peachtreehandspinnersguild.org.

An Adult’s Guide to the Renaissance Faire

By Kathy Dean

The Middle Ages come alive every spring at the Georgia Renaissance Faire in Fairburn, Ga., less than a half hour drive from downtown Atlanta. The fair is a great place to take kids to watch jousters and jugglers, wipe their chins while they tackle a turkey leg, and cheer them as they try archery and carnival games.

There’s a more relaxed way to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the 32-acre mock 16th century English village. Leave the little ones at home and take a day to stroll and take a grownups-only tour of the Renaissance Faire.

A few of the shows appeal to an adult sense of humor, like the dark puppetry of the Ded Bob Sho and the musical-comedy team Hey Nunnie, Nunnie. Animal lovers shouldn’t miss the antics of the Dynamo Dogs or the Birds of Prey Show, which features hawks, owls and vultures. Drop in at the Parrots of the Caribbean, a free-flight aviary filled with exotic birds.

Take time and listen as the sounds of drums and harps drift past. A lot of the best music is played in pubs from groups such as The Harper & the Minstrel, Armoured Bards and Landloch’d.

Browse the shops for unusual and unique clothing, home décor and gift items. You’ll find everything from essential oils and herbs to custom-made leather boots and family crests.

Many artisans invite visitors to watch as they craft their wares. Some have demonstrations that continue all day long, such as the weavers, potters and handspinners. Others, like the glassblower, jeweler and herbalist, display their talents at scheduled times.

The Renaissance Faire is scattered with plenty concessions, but there are places to sit and enjoy food and drink. The Drunk Monk Pub offers a variety of adult beverages and live music.

The most civilized way to enjoy lunch is at the Peacock Tea Room. The tearoom has a variety of light meals on the menu, including sandwiches, fruit and cheese plates and pots of tea. Members of the royal court, including the king and queen, have been spotted sipping tea and enjoying the shaded seating.

The fair is open on Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day. This year, it runs through June 4; hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The adult ticket price is $22 at the gate or $19 online, and discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.

To get to the Georgia Renaissance Faire, take I-85 south to Exit 61. Turn right onto GA Hwy. 74, and follow the signs. In less than 2 miles, you’ll be at the entrance, where there’s plenty of free parking.

Get more information and purchase tickets at garenfest.com.

How to Enjoy the Renaissance Faire: tips from mistress threadbare

Plan ahead

• Visit the website, garenfest.com, and check out the map and shows. Look for themed weekends like Maytoberfest, May 6-7, and Highland Fling weekend, May 13-14.

• Try to get to the gate at opening time, if possible, so you can enjoy the fair before the day heats up.

Dress for success

• If you want to dress for the day, costume rental is available.

• Wear sensible shoes, even if you’re in costume.

• Wear a hat and apply sunscreen throughout the day.

• Carry a light bag that can function as a purse and hold a bottle of water.

• Bring an umbrella; they provide shade as well as protection from rain.

Once you’re here

• Pick up a program; it has a map and schedule. Make sure you know where things are, like restroom facilities, seating areas and first aid, as well as show stages. You can get a shop listing at the information booth by the front gate.

• Pace yourself. When you need to rest, find some shade and enjoy people watching.

• Stay fed and hydrated. Make sure you have some protein. (I eat a lot of fruit, cheese and crackers, and I drink lots of water.)

• If cast members try to pull you into a conversation, stop and interact with them; they can be very entertaining.