4th Annual Much Ado about Sebastopol Harvest Faire

The fourth annual Much Ado About Sebastopol is a very special 16th century Renaissance harvest faire that comes to life during the apple harvest of the mythic hamlet of Fenford. Two days of historical re-enactments, entertainment, games and refreshments for the entire family take place 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday, September 14 and 10 a.m. -5 p.m. September 15. All events held at Sebastopol’s historic Ives Park, 7400 Willow Street. Favors: Renaissance costume patterns, meat pies, and other 16th century monthly favors are now available to those who visit the Much Ado About Sebastopol Special Events website page. The practice of giving favors was a medieval custom of a lady bestowing a token on a man she favored. In time it came to represent the trinkets that were given out at weddings and other occasions. Much Ado offers them as a thank you for those who visit them online. Citizenship: The Fenford citizen registry is now open. Citizens become members of the harvest faire community and, at no cost, enjoy citizen benefits. These include opportunities to meet with Fenford dignitaries, raffle tickets, invitations to special events, local business discounts and more. Interactive living history performances, parades, storytelling and sword fighting will be among the activities planned for the faire. “The Queen, her royal court, and St. George and St. Michael guild members will be there both days,” said Andrea Hagan Schmitz, faire co-director. “While there, faire goers will see first-hand how Renaissance craftspeople, performers, farmers and merchants lived. It’s a perfect opportunity to also see what English country life was like in 1578.” Ongoing entertainment ranges from musical and theatrical performances to storytelling, archery and swords. Highlights also include a Renaissance scavenger hunt for kids of all ages, introduction to live falcons, make & take craft booths - herbal soap making, leatherwork, , and more historical demonstrations and workshops about spinning, chainmaille, cheese-making, and Elizabethan spies. The 16th century style marketplace includes fortune tellers, herbs, jewelry, floral garlands, wearable art, meade mugs, and more. Refreshments range from grilled turkey legs and sausages to gallettes and crepes to seafood, artisan cheeses, chocolates, and more. The Fenford's Pip and Vine Tavern, sponsored by Lagunitas Brewing Company, will serve local high-end wine, hard cider and beer. The Sebastopol Educational Foundation, a non-profit organization, raises funds to provide education and enrichment programs to the Sebastopol Union School District. The Guild of St. George, Inc. is a non-profit, public benefit educational corporation dedicated to teaching history through interactive theater. Proceeds from this historically accurate family-friendly faire benefits three of Sebastopol’s public schools: Park Side Elementary, Brook Haven K – 8 and Analy High School. Single day tickets: $15 adults, $10 students (ages 12 – 17). Weekend Pass: $25 adults - $15 students. Children 11 and under are free. Pre-sale discount tickets: $8-$20. For more information call 707-481-8213 or visit www.muchadoaboutsebastopol.com.