Recently I attended the Sterling Renaissance festival in Sterling N.Y. which has been in operation for 31 years. WOW. Such a small word to describe it but one that fits so well. The festival is located on a hill in woods with alot of shade. The paths are well groomed and there are places to sit everywhere. Everybody was extreamly friendly and helpfull and almost all vendors I dealt with asked if I wanted them to hold my purchases until later so I could enjoy the day. Almost every festival will do this, but my point is I was asked instead of having to ask. Almost every show I watched the crowd was in the shade. I found the food to be a little expensive but delicious. I had the fried scallops and fries ($7) and it was better than most resturants and I can't say enough about the pork pockets ($7). They had a cake shop also that made my teeth water and it looked like they were surving huge slices and a booth with fried bread with toppings which I love, but unfortunately the pork pocket filled me up too much.
As to vendors there weren't alot of repeats, each seemed to hold it's own nitch which is nice and the only thing there wasn't much of were weapons booths (only 1) unless you count wooden swords which I don't. One booth of notible mention was a leather booth that had some increadible bags and pouches.
As to the shows I watched Daniel, Duke of Danger, Johnny Fox sword swallower, Davinci brothers, Don Jaun and Miguel, Hey Nunnie Nunnie, and the Dunking show which you have to see to understand.
All in all just too much as usual for anybody to do in one day and even harder to shoot but well worth the trip.
For more information please visit: http://sterlingfestival.com/home/tabid/36/Default.aspx