On an amazingly bright yet cold day, an immense man with an authoritative expression gently saunters down an unpaved road.  His massive body is cloaked in a black leather coat, hiding a pair of black leather cuffs with silver spikes escaping through the surface.  His legs are covered by a pair of custom-made, cavalier-style boots that reach up the leg and rest on the knees.  His waist is decorated with a wide leather belt, ornamented with an entourage of menacing medieval weaponry. 

Around Clear Lake, such a site would draw attention in the most negative of ways and this man would be the victim of unwelcome stares and questioning eyes.  The local authorities might even be called in to investigate.  

In Plantersville, Texas, however, this man is the envy of all eyes.  Men want to look like him, women want to be with him and children want to grow up to be like him!  

There is, of course, only one place where such an occurrence can happen:  the Texas Renaissance Festival.  This year, the festival is celebrating its 34th year of medieval fun.  With 16th century entertainment scattered throughout the course of eight weekends, festival go-ers, both new and experienced, can expect entertainment with enough variety to satisfy all types of patrons.  

It is widely known, and often bragged about, that the TRF is the largest of its kind in the country.  Not only do the participants hail from the local area of greater Houston, but from around the entire United States.     

Patrick and Marlene Spencer, self-proclaimed nerds from South Texas, enjoyed their first TRF in 2000.  Since then, the couple has become members of the Everquest online gaming community.  Each year, a group of almost 20 members travels from places like Chicago, Ohio and California to Texas to enjoy the festival. 

“Every year, we choose a weekend and we make arrangements to meet up here,” Patrick Spencer said.  

In recent years, the festival has been experiencing subtle changes, not necessarily with how things are run, but with the festival participants and how they like to experience the event.  

In previous years, the fair had a strict set of dress standards for acceptable costumes.  Participants stuck strictly to the theme of the 16th century.  In recent years, the participants like to take the renaissance theme as more of a guide than a rule.  The Storm Trooper, for example, (a character from Star Wars) likes to show up in head-to-toe combat gear but decorates the ensemble with a kilt to keep in Renaissance theme.  

Matt Jones, half of the juggling duo “The Other Brothers,” has been performing at the TRF for 17 years.  

 “If you ever get bored and find yourself with nothing to do here at the TRF, all you have to do is take a seat and watch all the people,” Jones said.  

His personal favorite is the Storm Trooper, but there are countless others that rank high on the list of most extreme costumes.  

Another popular character this year was the Gargoyle clothed in dark silver wardrobe and fitted with a pair of massive wings and disturbing mask.  Of course, the lovely lady wearing the chain linked bikini set – and nothing else – was constantly bombarded with onlookers wanting to take pictures.  

Ben Sanchez, first-time participant from San Antonio, brought his son to experience the intense event.   

“I’ve heard stories and I’ve done a little research so I thought I knew what to expect, but …” Sanchez’ words trailed off as he smiled and took a few more looks around.  “This is just crazy!”

Sanchez’ son, Ben Jr., was having problems focusing on any one aspect in particular.  His eyes were darting around from the intricate centaur costume, to the cart with long, wooden swords and daggers, and then to the assortment of sugar-coated desserts on a stick. 

“Do they put all the food on a stick here?” he asked with an amusing sincerity.

Each year, the organization introduces something new: an act, a menu or even a contest.

Sanchez and his son were able to leave with a few costume starters and a head full of ideas for next year’s costumes.  

“Now that we’ve seen the costumes and done some pricing, we know what we have to work with till next year,” Sanchez said.

The 34th annual Texas Renaissance Festival will carry on through Nov. 30.  Tickets are $21 for adults and $11 for children and can be purchased at HEB, Randalls or Woodforest National Bank.  Tickets can also be purchased at the gate or online.  Visit www.texrenfest.com for more information.