The days are a little shorter, and it’s time to think about end-of-summer celebrations. Especially something full of entertainment, events, people watching and food.

No, not the State Fair. It’s time for the Renaissance Festival!

(credit: Amy Rea)

Last week the Renaissance Festival folks held a sneak preview—kind of a mini dress rehearsal—and I’m delighted to report that it looks like this year’s festival will be chock full of all the Ren Fest favorites. Such as:

Plenty of royalty (some more regal than others).

(credit: Amy Rea)

Manly competitions…

(credit: Renaissance Festival)

Including, of course, the wonder of jousting.

(credit: Renaissance Festival)

Beware, matey, it may not be Talk Like a Pirate Day anywhere else, but it could well be in Shakopee.

(credit: Amy Rea)

All kinds of entertainment, some more family friendly than others. Like jugglers.

(credit: Renaissance Festival)

And fire eaters!

(credit: Renaissance Festival)

Dancing…

(credit: Amy Rea)

And plenty of adult beverages.

(credit: Renaissance Festival)

And what goes better with wine than…

(credit: Amy Rea)

Giant smoked turkey drumsticks!

The Renaissance Festival opens this Saturday and continues weekends through Oct. 2, as well as Labor Day and Sept. 30.

What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.