'Once around is never enough': 'The Brass Ring Thing' returns

Journey back in time to "ye days of olde" with ladies and lords on Saturday, June 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The 12th annual Renaissance Festival, presented by the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum and the Society for Creative Anachronism, will awaken your interest in medieval games, arts and crafts, and entertainment. The family event takes place at 180 Thompson St., North Tonawanda.

"The Brass Ring Thing XII" celebrates the origin of carrousels and the brass ring tradition in the medieval time period when simple, wooden logs were suspended from turning arms on a pole. Knights "rode" around the pole on the logs throwing lances through a brass ring for target practice. Eventually, these rides were enlarged to carry decorated gondolas and carved wooden horses as a means of entertainment for royalty.

Themed arts and crafts activities and numerous medieval games will entertain visitors of all ages. "The Walking Maze" from the "Cathedral at Chartres" will provide time for peaceful contemplation, while the live chess matches and tournaments offer opportunities for cheering on your favorites.

Members of the Carousel Society and the Society for Creative Anachronism dressed in period costume will present numerous demonstrations and family-oriented games and activities. Historic artisans will demonstrate weaving, spinning, lacemaking, pottery, woodcarving, hand-scribing, chainmail-making and more. Tournaments will include fencing and armored combat. There will be thrown weapons and archery demonstrations, period songsters and storytellers, vendors, food, contests and more.

An admission fee of $5 for adults and $3 for children includes admission to the Carrousel Museum and select demonstrations (no coupons or passes accepted). An additional pay-one-price $5 bracelet will be required for many of the crafts, games and other activities.

The event will be held rain or shine, though some activities will take place only with weather permitting. The event takes place on the grounds of the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum. For directions and further information about this and other special events, programs or group tours, visit www.carrouselmuseum.org or contact the museum at 716-693-1885 or [email protected].