Fantasy and History Come to Life at the 2013 Northern California Renaissance Faire

Go back in time and experience a land of peasants, pirates, maidens, and nobility at the Northern California Renaissance Faire, located at Casa de Fruta in Hollister. 

Held every Saturday and Sunday from September 14^th through October 13^th, one can experience a  journey through the village of Willingtown at a time when classical art, architecture, literature, and music flourished.

The Renaissance Faire is a place where entertainment starts from the moment one walks through the gate. The Marketplace is full of all types of performers from all around the globe who are ready to sing and dance to your delight.

 Over 140 master artisans present creations of blown glass, sculptures, amulets, romantic clothing and much, much more. However, make sure to walk with caution for you may have an encounter with a swashbuckling, sword fighting pirate.

The Renaissance Faire is fit for all ages and one is certain to find a show for their liking. Traveling with little ones? Be sure to venture into The Enchanted Garden where fairies and woodland creatures come to life. Or for those who are more mature, The Dockside Alley awaits where the ale flows like water and peddlers are ever-so present.

For a hands on experience come perfect your archery, fencing, and axe throwing skills with a variety of booths and games available throughout the grounds.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I, requests your presence during the 2013 Celtic Rock Series. Saturday’s at 6pm, be sure to open your ears and let out a big “Huzzah!” for the musical performances of Tempest, Wicked Tinkers, The Galway Hooker Band, Hoist The Colors, and Brick Top Blaggers. 

Grab a turkey leg and head on over to the World Tournament of Champions. Donned with armor, professional jousters battle with lances, swords, and daggers for the pleasure of the audience and Her Majesty. Although it is uncertain who will claim victory it is certain that this performance will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Dust off your Renaissance garb and meet us at Casa de Fruta where a land of mystical fantasy comes to life!

WHAT:      Northern California Renaissance Faire- A Play Faire Production

WHEN:      Every Saturday and Sunday September 14^th- October 13^th 

Celtic Rock Concert Series every Saturday night, FREE with general admission

TIME:       10 am- 6pm (Celtic Rock Series starts at 6pm on Sat.)

WHERE:   Casa de Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister

COST:      $25 at the gate; children 12 and under will be admitted FREE the entire run of the Faire. A weekend pass, which covers the admission for one weekend, is $35 . A ‘Fairever’ pass, which allows unlimited access all 10 days, is $150. Save $5 off adult tickets for groups of 15 or more with the promo code “group”.

INFO:        For more information and tickets, visit www.norcalrenfaire.com or call 408.847.FAIR.

Fill Your Bag to the Brim at St. Matthew's End of Season Bag Sale

Since 2009, regular shoppers have looked forward to this annual event with great enthusiasm. For only $5.00+ tax, The Thrift Shop supplies a bag and customers are able fill it with treasures ranging from clothes and candles to books, table top accessories and more. 

Shoppers are invited to fill as many bags as they wish with the shop's intention that all items on the Sales floor must go! Antiques and bric-a-brac are showcased separately and are marked down 50 percent. 

The End of Season Bag Sale benefits local charities around the San Francisco Bay Area. The community charities include, but are not limited to: Mission Hospice, Samaritan House, Second Harvest Food Bank, Shelter Network, and CALL Primrose Center. 

Free parking is available. Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards are all accepted. 

WHAT:      The Thrift Shop's Annual End of Season Bag Sale
WHEN:      July 13-27, 2013
TIME:         Thursdays/Fridays 10:00-2:00 and Saturdays 10:00-3:00
WHERE:    St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. 1 South El Camino Real, San Mateo
COST:        $5.00+ tax
INFO:         For more info call the church office at 650.342.1481 or visit www.episcopalstmatthew.org

Hey PR Magic Fans! Check out this great blog post by our friends Butch and Deb. It chronicles their amazing adventures biking through Taiwan and has some must read tips for anyone thinking of visiting the area.

http://butchanddeb.wordpress.com/

Burlingame ArtzFest Temporarily Relocates to Howard Avenue

Thousands of attendees are expected to flock to Burlingame on August  10-11 for the 21st annual Burlingame ArtzFest, one of the Peninsula's most anticipated summer festivals.

The Burlingame ArtzFest features over 150 artisans showcasing original works of art, photography, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, decor and more.

In addition, award-winning musicians will cover an array of musical genres on the main stage, while local performers  will display their talents on the community stage.

There are a wide range of activities for everyone as well as delicious festival foods and beverages. Families with children can also enjoy the special Children's Playland area featuring rides, games, and entertainment for kids.

"Because of the current Burlingame Avenue Streetscape Project, the 2013 Artzfest will temporarily relocate one street south to Howard Avenue,  which encompasses our expanding downtown" said Georgette Naylor, CEO of the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce. "While the venue changes for this year, the elements  of this favorite community event do  not.  We are proud to offer the same high quality artists, exceptional musicians and traditional family fun that the Burlingame ArtzFest is known for. "

The Burlingame ArtzFest is hosted by the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce and is free to the public.

WHO:      The Burlingame Chamber of Commerce

WHAT:    Burlingame ArtzFest: A free weekend long event that offers a full day    of live music, art, festival foods, kids entertainment, shopping, home decor, and more.  

WHERE:   Howard Avenue in Burlingame, CA;  Located 15 minutes south of San Francisco, Howard  Avenue is easily accessible via the 101 Freeway, El Camino Real or Caltrain public transit.

WHEN:      Saturday, August 10 - Sunday, August 11, 2013 from 10am-6pm

INFO:        For more information, visit www.burlingamechamber.org or contact Georgette Naylor at 650-344-1735.

PRESS:       Contact Liz Rosinski at 650-548-6700 or via email at Lrosinski@prmagic.com 

Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show Helps Guide Travelers in the Right Direction

    The Bay Area’s Largest Travel Show Features Celebrities, Travel Experts, Seminars, and Exciting Activities

(Santa Clara, Calif., January 7, 2013) – Traveling to another state, let alone another country, may seem like a daunting expedition to embark upon, but now there is help to navigate the endless vacation options.

The Bay Area Travel & Adventure show returns to the Santa Clara Convention Center, February 16-17, 2013, to make it easier for aspiring travelers to plan their perfect getaway. The show features a multitude of travel resources and information, seminars with celebrity guest speakers, hands-on activities, a Global Beats dance stage and more – all under one roof.

Over 200 destination experts and tour operators will present the thousands of available travel options. In addition, a number of the exhibitors will provide giveaways, ranging from gift certificates to trips, as well as provide show-exclusive discounts.

Rick Steves

Headlining the lecture series is celebrity speaker Rick Steves. The author and travel expert is best known for his wildly popular guidebook series and Public TV show Rick Steves’ Europe and will discuss practical, money-saving ins and outs of independent travel as well as a dedicated “Italy” segment.

Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die will also be on hand to recount her experiences writing her bestselling book.

Also giving attendees valuable travel tips is Joe Diaz, a seasoned world traveler and co-founder of AFAR magazine and AFAR media, the multi-platform media travel brand.

Travel & Adventure Show attendees can experience hands-on activities that may be found at some travel destinations as well, including rock-climbing and zip-lining. All activities are available for any skill level or age.

Don’t miss the chance to learn insider travel tips from renowned experts in the business, all while experiencing a day of fun and excitement at the Bay Area Travel and Adventure Show.

Show Details:

What: Bay Area Travel and Adventure Show

Where: Santa Clara Convention Center

Public Show Hours: Saturday, February 16: 10am- 5pm / Sunday, February 17: 11am-4pm

Tickets: $9 Online with Promo Code:  SCPR  or $15 At the Door; Children 16 & Under are free

Parking: Free

Info: www.adventureexpo.com/santaclara

Press: Contact The Larose Group at 650-548-6700 or email: info@prmagic.com

San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition’s Public Tasting, February 16, 2013

Don’t miss your chance to get those you love the Ultimate Stocking Stuffer gift! There are only two weeks left to get discount tickets to the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition’s Public Tasting, February 16, 2013 in San Francisco. This is the largest competition of American Wines in the World and the Public Tasting will feature wines from over 800 wineries, gourmet food and an exceptional view. Buy now and save $30 off the door admission price!

Click Here to Buy Now

WHEN: Saturday, February 16, 2013 (SAVE THE DATE)

WHERE: Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco

TIME: 2pm – 5pm

PRICE: Stocking Stuffer (before Dec 31, 2012) $55.00

Advance Ticket (after Jan 1, 2013) $70.00

Tickets at the door $85.00 (if available, this event is usually a sellout)

www.winejudging.com

2012 Northern California Renaissance Faire

WE INVITE YOU TO FIND YOUR FANTASY

AT THE 2012 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RENAISSANCE FAIRE!

(Hollister, Calif., April 2012) --- Experience the fantasy that comes to life this fall as the Northern California Renaissance Faire travels back to the realistic Renaissance village of the late 14^th through 16^th century settled in the woodsy vale of Casa de Fruta in Hollister.  Held every Saturday and Sunday from September 15 through October 14, one can journey through the Medieval times of humanistic rebirth when classical art, architecture, literature, plays, and traditional music become one of the most notable time periods in history.

The Renaissance scene promises to have new and exciting additions this year for Faire-goers to join the villagers of Willington.  Many of the traditional themes will still take place, such as the lively drunken festival of Bacchanal and the delicious feasts of Saint Michael. Beware of the unwelcomed invasion of savage pirates, catch a glimpse of the majestic Queen Elizabeth I, and interact with mystical creatures of the land.

Under a leafy tree branch, one can see an original form of Renaissance theatre in the form of the Italian comedy, Commedia Dell Arte, on the Royal Garden stage or laugh out loud to the mischievous antics of Moonie the Magnificent and BrooN at the Fools stage. Seven stages boast nonstop entertainment such as William Shakespeare acts, noble social dances, magnificent swordplay, and the return of veteran jousters at The World Tournament of Champions, performed twice daily at the Tournament of Horses Arena, to demonstrate heroic acts of declared homeland victory.

As the sun sets, the Celtic Rock Concert Series rises in showcasing genre favorites!  The exclusive concert is free with admission every Saturday at 6pm.

During the festivities, meet and greet happy peasants, crooked constables, men in tights, and merry maidens as they fill the streets with revelry. Practice your archery, axe throwing and fencing skills, and don yourself with an elaborate garland or mask. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a gigantic turkey leg roasted to perfection and wear a classic Renaissance costume from a saucy pirate gear to gypsy tribal garb.

Last but not least, shop through the exceptional Market Faire of master artisans of latest designs and finest hand work… blown glass, keen blades, armor and chain mail, romantic clothing, leather-work, woodwork, hand wrought jewelry, sculpture and much, much more.

Advance tickets will be available in August!  Purchase online before September 13^th and receive $5 off admission!  Children 12 and under will be admitted FREE entrance for all five weekends, and during Opening Weekend, general ticket pricing is “Two-For-One”. Tickets will go on sale in August, 2012.

WHAT:        Northern California Renaissance Faire - A Play Faire Production

WHEN:       “Find Your Fantasy” every Saturday and Sunday from September 15^th - October 14^th, 2012

Celtic Rock Concert Series every Saturday night, FREE with general admission
TIME:          10am – 6pm (Celtic Rock Series starts at 6P on Sat.)
WHERE:     Casa de Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister
COST:         $25 at the gate; children 12 and under will be admitted FREE the entire run of Faire. 
A weekend pass, which covers the admission for one weekend, is $35
A ‘Fairever’ pass, which allows unlimited access all 10 days, is $15
Save $5 off adult tickets for groups of fifteen or more with promotional code “group”.
INFO:          For more information and tickets, visit www.norcalrenfaire.com or call 408.847.FAIR.

 

The Northern California Renaissance Faire is run by Play Faire Productions, a group of self-appointed actors and artisans who took ownership as a collective in 2004.  Many Faire participants have been exciting crowds with their performances for over 35 years, never failing to entertain the masses with their pranks and mischievous behavior.  They are proud to be the only Faire of its kind that is managed by their own performers, presenting an incomparable way to experience the magic of the time period.  Whether you attend for an all encompassing history lesson, or wish to play in the original adult playground, there is no doubt that everyone will have the chance to stretch their imagination…and Find Your Fantasy!