Ready for turkey legs, jousting and chain mail armor? It’s that time of year again.

The Texas Renaissance Festival (TRF) begins its annual season on Oct. 10, and this year organizers are promising new acts and themed weekends at the 35-year-old Texas tradition in Plantersville, about 25 minutes north of Magnolia.

According to Sarah Hassell, marketing director for the TRF, current yearly attendance of the festival tops more than 400,000.

Pictured, actors take part in a jousting tournament during last year's Texas Renaissance Festival.

“They do say that everything is bigger in Texas,” said Hassell,  “and we certainly hold true to that. We are the largest festival of this kind in the nation, both acreage wise and yearly attendance.”  

The festival will feature eight different themed weekends this season, including Oktoberfest, Highland Fling and Pirate Adventure.

Despite a lagging economy, Hassell said festival organizers are planning on a solid turnout.

“We truly believe that we have something special to offer the people of our community --an escape,” she said. “In times like these, that really is what we all crave. We are hoping that people take advantage of the affordable family entertainment we have to offer – right in their back yard.”

In addition to the entertainment the TRF offers to the community, it also provides thousands of jobs.

“We fill several thousand seasonal jobs every year - positions run the gamut from food service and sales positions to performers,” said Hassell. “ Each year we hold auditions in May and a job fair in August to fill these positions.”

Hassell noted that next year's dates for auditions are May 1 and 8, and a Job Fair will be August 14 and 15.

Hassell said the TRF dodged a bullet last year when Hurricane Ike swept through the area but left little damage to the festival.

“We had very minimal damage last year from Ike,” said Hassell. “We did lose a few trees and our front office sustained some roof damage. All in all, we were very blessed.”   

Now up and running at full capacity, Hassell said this year’s new entertainment act, The Clan Tynker, a family of siblings who perform a wide variety of talents in “Old World” style, will be “a certain family favorite.”

“They display an impressive variety of skills,” she said. “We are so excited to have them join our line-up. “ 

The skills include juggling, stage magic, comedy dance, sword-swallowing, fire-eating and tight-wire walking, said Hassell.

In addition to the new act, all the old favorites will be there as well. Food from around the world, stage shows, musical acts, shopping and of course, jousting will all be part of the fun.

Tickets range from $6 to $11 for children and $12 to $23 for adults, depending on discounts and special weekends.

Hassell suggested wearing cozy footwear to the 53-acre park.

“Our festival is quite massive so comfortable shoes are always a plus,” she said.

For more information about tickets and dates, visit www.texrenfest.com.

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