The Renaissance Faire adventure all began when Pinky opened the mail and found a flyer advertising a Renaissance Faire. It all looked so exciting! When Twinky and Binky came in for lunch, they all looked at the pictures in the flyer. There would be Jousting, musical shows, all sorts of delicious food, costumes and balloon rides! They decided to attend the very next day.
Binky woke up early the next morning. He sprang out of bed to pack his backpack. He packed his camera, extra rolls of film, a notebook and pencil, and his sunglasses. Next he put his hamster named Nibbles into the backpack along with a small container of seeds. Nibbles always came along in Binky's backpack where ever he went. After breakfast they set off for the Faire. Binky could barely contain his excitement when the entrance gate came into view. It looked like a big castle! As they walked over the drawbridge and entered under a huge stone arch, they each got a program. In the program was a map of the grounds, a list of all the shops and shows, and a list of various food stands. Twinky read the menu selections of all the food stands. Pinky read the names of costume shops. Binky and Nibbles read the list of kiddie attractions. They all decided to go to a costume shop first. There we so many costumes to pick from. Princess Gowns, Peasant Clothes, Jester Suits and Butterfly Wings! Half an hour later they emerged from the shop, each wearing a new costume. Twinky and Binky each had on a Kilt. Twinky had selected a blue tartan, and Binky had chosen one in red. They both had a new Sporran also. Pinky was wearing a purple Princess Gown that sparkled, and a matching feathered headband. Nibbles was peeking out of Binky's backpack and he was wearing a red and white Jester hat with bells on the points, and pointy little shoes to match. Binky began jumping up and down with excitement, he couldn't wait to go through the maze he had seen in a picture on the program. Twinky gave him some money and told him to be careful and not to get into any mischief. They decided to meet at a gazebo near the entrance gate in two hours. Binky and Nibbles found the Great Maze on the map inside the program. They started off in the direction of the maze, looking at all of the sights along the way. They stopped to watch a juggling act. Two men were juggling flaming torches. Binky watched in amazement as more and more torches were added, until finally there were ten of them going all at once! Next they stopped to look at some swords. Binky picked one up and took it out of the sheath. The blade gleamed in the sunlight. He closed his eyes and imagined he was sitting atop a great horse, dressed in a shiny suit of armor. Just then a loud cheer was heard from the jousting field. Binky snapped out of his daydream, and put the sword back. He selected a small pocket knife instead. The man behind the counter was dressed like a pirate, and Binky felt a little uncomfortable when he handed him the money for the knife. Binky realized he was hungry when he bumped into a sign that was shaped like a giant turkey leg in front of a food stand. He got in line and ordered a turkey leg for himself, and some bread and cheese for Nibbles. Finally they found the Great Maze. Binky was fascinated when he saw that the maze was made of many tall hedges planted side by side which made paths in between. A friendly girl in a fairy costume greeted them as they went in. Binky started running down the path, turning here, turning there, back and forth. As he was running along an especially long path he noticed a spot in the hedge where the leaves were a little thin. He stopped and poked his head through the hedge. He saw some tents and a big hay wagon. There were some large horses tied to a tree, and they were wearing costumes too! Binky realized that they must be some of the horses that were in the Jousting tournament. His curiousity was too great and he squeezed through the hedge. The little bells on Nibbles' jester hat tinkled as he and Binky tumbled out on the other side. Binky advanced slowly towards the horses while he took out the map. He could see that the whole Faire was set up in a huge circle. He looked over and saw a very tall fence and realized that the jousting field was on the other side. He and Nibbles must be in the very middle of the circle where supplies for the shops were kept and where the performers camped. He continued walking past the horses, and Nibbles became afraid and suggested they go back through the hedge. Binky checked his watch and told Nibbles not to worry because they had plenty of time left before they were supposed to meet Twinky and Pinky at the gazebo. As they went around the corner of a small barn, Binky froze in his tracks, too terrified to move! In front of him loomed a huge purple and green dragon floating in the air! It made a horrible loud breathing noise. Binky closed his eyes and pinched himself, hoping he was only having a nightmare and would wake up any minute. Nibbles had disappeared into the backpack. Just as Binky was turning to run for the hedge he saw that ropes were hanging from the dragon. Then he noticed there was a basket under the dragon. He realized that the dragon was really just a huge hot air balloon! Of course, now he remembered the program had said there would be balloon rides. He told Nibbles it was OK to come out now, it was only a big, beautiful balloon. Nibbles peeked out, still afraid. Binky walked over and looked up at the huge dragon. He walked around the basket and found there was a small rope ladder hanging over the side. Nibbles protested as Binky cautiously climbed up and peeked over the edge to see what was in the basket.
Copyright2000 Monica Greenholtz
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