Huzzah to the 2014 Minnesota Renaissance Festival!

What: The 44^th Annual Minnesota Renaissance Festival, one of the largest themed events in the country is just around the corner. Journey back in time as more than 250 merchants contribute to the atmosphere of this charming 16^th century village featuring 22 acres of entertainment, shopping, fun and food fit for a king!

2014 Theme Weekends:

• Highland Fling! Aug. 16 & 17
• Buccaneer Beer Fest Aug. 23 & 24
• A Silk Road: Discover the Riches Aug. 30, 31 & Sept. 1
• Passport to Adventure Sept. 6 & 7
• Wine, Chocolate and Romance Sept. 13 & 14
• Oktoberfest Sept. 21 & 21
• Festival Friday Sept. 26
• Shamrocks and Shenanigans Sept. 27 & 28

2014 Highlights:

• Shakespeares 450^th Birthday Celebration Join in as we celebrate all things Shakespeare with interactive performances, street entertainment and plenty of fun.
• Fairytale Princess Party You are cordially invited to attend our Fairytale Princess Party. Come and mingle with the Princess Court who will be hosting the party. Enjoy a light snack, craft and entertainment with a photo opt. at the end. This is perfect for children ages 5-12.
• Minnesota Craft Brew Pub Raise your beer stein in celebration of a new showcased selection of distinctive, locally brewed craft beer now available at the Festival.
• Cancer Survivors Walk Even the Kings Royal Guard couldnt hold a candle to these fighters. Celebrate the survivors in your life with a triumphant march through the streets Sept. 7.
• Bloomers & Tights 5k Race/Walk Join Queen Elizabeth and her Royal Court in the Run/Walk through the Festival grounds and woodlands, and dont forget to wear your bloomers or tights! Race beings at 10:00 a.m. on Aug. 24 and includes: Festival Admission, race t-shirt, one free beer (soda), and a race bag! Prizes will be awarded for placement and for Best Bloomers and Tights.
• Kids Craft Corner Enjoy arts and crafts time with your kids in the all new craft area at the Festival. Crafts include Pirate Hat Making, Fairy Wand Making, Coloring Contests and much more!
• Knights Challenge Obstacle Course Only a true knight will be able to conquer this series of challenges. Compete against fellow knights in training to see if you can complete the course.
• Fairy Wing Forest Venture into the garden that has been transformed and filled with fairies, pixies and magical creatures that now call the forest home. As you travel the path, you will be transported to a whole other world filled with wonder, whimsy and magic.
• Live Mermaids A wonder among wonders, few have ever seen the elusive mermaid in her home below the sea. Captain Jonas Fair will recount his tales of finding the beautiful Mermaid Ambrosia while patrons marvel at her shimmering hair and scaly tail during daily appearances in the Mermaid Cove. If youre lucky, she may even share a piece of her magic with you

When: Weekends Aug. 16 to Sept. 28, plus Labor Day and Friday, Sept. 26

Gates open 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. rain or shine!

Where: Located seven miles South of Shakopee, MN on Hwy 169

Cost: Adults$22.95 Children (5-12) ....... $13.95 Children (0-4) .. Free Free Parking!

*Advanced purchase discount tickets available at participating Super America, Walgreens, and Menards locations.

For more information contact: Maren Kiemen, Public Relations, 952-445-7361 or PR@renaissancefest.com