SHOW OFF YER KILT AT THE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL!

SHAKOPEE, Minn., (August 7, 2014) The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is once again showing off their Scottish pride during opening weekend. August 16 & 17, 2014, experience the Highland Fling weekend events on the Festival Grounds with a Kilt Competition, Scottish Vendors and the Highland Heavy Games Championships.

The Festival will host the World Amateur Highland Games Championships on Saturday. The competitors will compete for the World Amateur title and have the opportunity to affirm their professional status in the sport. On Sunday, experience the Mid-West Men's and Women's Highland Heavy Games Competitions. As the highlight of the weekend, these games feature a combination of modern and ancient strength gaming practices. Make sure to come to cheer on your fellow patrons!

The 8^th annual highland games will test the will of even the strongest competitors as they compete in eight different events. These events include the 56 lb Weight Throw for Height, the 56 lb Weight Throw for Distance, the 28 lb Weight Throw for Distance, a 16 lb Open Stone Throw, 20 lb Braemer Stone Throw, the Caber Toss, the Sheaf Toss, and a 16 lb Scottish Hammer Throw. While some events have ties to Olympic track an

d field staples, events such as the Caber Toss and Sheaf Toss can only be found in the Highland Heavy Games!

Got Scottish pride and a competitive streak? Cheer loud for your favorite contestant in the Kilt Competition and enjoy traditional Scottish dress. This event will be held daily in Shepherds Green at 1:30 p.m. Showing off your strength more your style? Compete in the Keg Toss for bragging rights. In addition to the competition, head over to the Scottish Village with vendors from across the area! Learn about Scottish organizations such as Clan Donald, the Minnesota Council of Scottish Clans and more!

Broadsword Demos will be conducted by the Minneapolis Broadsword Academy, a member of the Cateran Society. They will be performing a seminar about the basics of training and broadsword history, followed by a bout of sword fighting for the crowd. This new addition to the Highland Fling a must-see on the Pavilion Stage!

On the Pavilion Stage, The Minnesota Scottish Highland Dancers will demonstrate their traditional Celtic Dancing. Shows will be held on the Pavilion stage at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. each day. Join in on a traditional Scottish tradition with FREE Woodchuck Hard Cider Tasting on the Pavilion Stage at 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Dont forget to check out the new attractions at the Festival. Seek out the infamous Throne of Swords to claim your destiny or meet your untimely doom. Ever wonder where fairies live, what they look like, or what they do? Venture into the wooded and mystical Fairy Wing Forest, the garden filled with fairies, pixies and magical creatures that now call the forest home. As you travel the path, you will be transported to a world filled with wonder, whimsy and magic! Watch as Captain Maxwell Drake recounts his tales of finding the beautiful Mermaid Ambrosia during daily appearances in the Mermaid Cove. If youre lucky, she may even share a piece of her magic with you.

During Highland Fling, take advantage of our special weekend promotions! On August 16 & 17, get FREE admission with a Blood Donation through Memorial Blood Centers. Schedule your appointment starting August 1 to help avoid wait times. Also returning this year is the Minnesota Renaissance Festival Food Drive. Each day the festival is open, August 16 through September 1, donate 5 cans of food and receive $5 off an Adult Admission Ticket!

Talk a little bit of the Renaissance back home with you! As you shop during our Artisan Appreciation weekends, August 16 through September 1, you will be able to support your favorite Shoppes and get rewarded! Spend $250 at any Artisan booths and receive one FREE admission ticket to return on any of the remaining weekends! Let your visit to the help you get ahead on your holiday shopping with the Christmas in September Artisan Promotion. Select from gifts under $25 and $50 or by categories including gifts for him, for her, for kids and even for pets!

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival 44^th season begins on Saturday, August 16 and ends on September 28, 2014. The Festival is open weekends; Labor Day and Festival Friday, September 26, 2014 open from 9 a.m. 7 p.m., rain or shine. The Festival is located five miles south of Shakopee on Hwy 169. Festival patrons can enjoy 16 stages of live entertainment, 250 artisan vendors and 7 theme weekends, full combat jousting and food fit for a king. Admission at the gate: Adults $22.95; Children 5 12 $13.95; seniors $20.95; four and under are free! Discount tickets are available at participating Menards, Super America, Whole Foods and Walgreens. Coupons towards admission are available at participating Subway and Papa Murphys locations. Visit www.renaissancefest.com or call 952.445.7361 for more information.

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Maren Kiemen

Public Relations & Event Planning Assistant

Phone: 952-445-7361 ext.223, PR@Renaissancefest.com