Pirates have

invaded the kingdom, kidnapped the queen and stolen the royal diamonds

and that's just the tip of the lance at this year's Georgia Renaissance

Festival.

Now in its

16th year, the Georgia Renaissance Festival brings area residents a way

to travel back in time and spend a day in the atmosphere of a 16th century

European country fair. Patrons can listen to music, watch comedy shows,

cheer on knights in a joust, watch craftsmen and shop in the Artist's

Market, eat turkey legs and other assorted sundries from the period.

There are also

rides and games, a petting zoo and colorful village characters to interact

with.

There are many

new attractions at the festival this year, as well. Cast in Bronze, fresh

off a two-year stint at Walt Disney World, will perform. This musical

act is the only one in the world to feature a carillon, a four-ton instrument

composed entirely of bells. Other acts include hypnotist Rick Stratton,

Celestial Circus which explores the stars and planets through the eye

of Galileo, Flying Pigs and Other Oddities, The Tortuga Twins and their

irreverent brand of storytelling, The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Combat Show and a new Moroccan-themed area.

Of course all

of the old favorites are back as well. Ded Bob and his dummy, Smudge,

perform their comedy show, while the Great Cats of the World show will

continue to thrill audiences with power and grace. The Lost Boys will

perform their unique blend of comedy and song and patrons can take in

a round of battle chess.

The 16th annual

Georgia Renaissance Festival is in Fairburn Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial

Day through June 3. Travel on Ga. Highway 74 north, pass over I-85 and

follow the signs. Tickets are $14.95 for adults and $5.95 for children

6-12. Discount tickets can be purchased online at www.georgiarenaissancefestival.com .

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