Even in the Renaissance, singers would vie for the King’s favor.  Troubadours would travel from kingdom to kingdom and weave their song spells for the court and hope to receive fame and fortune.  King Richard’s Faire invites all potential “Idols” from all the Northeastern “kingdoms” to come show off your talent.  
 ~Solo performers only
~Must be at least 16 years of age and have proof of ID
~Performers must provide the name of the song they will be singing when they sign up—no vulgar or explicit lyrics
~Each round will name two finalists who will compete for the title in the final competition
~During the final competition September 27 (rain date September 28), the four finalists may bring discs with their songs on it.  Finale at 2:00.

The “Faire ladies of the realm” are invited to be daring without baring it all at the King Richard’s Faire Cleavage Contest, to be held on Saturday, September 13th (rain date, Sunday, September 14th).

Members of the King’s court are eagerly awaiting the judging of the Cleavage Contest, which will take place on the King’s Stage at 4 PM. Pre-registration is not required, contestants merely need to line up at the stage shortly before judging begins, and show proof of age.

Prizes will be awarded in three categories:
1. Most authentic 16th century renaissance dress revealing cleavage.
2. Most buxom wench.
3. Most daring neckline.

Winners in each category will receive passes for four to King Richard’s Faire, and will be invited to accompany the King and his royal court onto the Dais for the 5pm joust.

Authentic 16th century women’s dress often featured bodices with square or rounded necklines, which were always cut across the top of the nipple line, never below this line. Women often wore corsets to smooth the lines of the torso, compressing it into a smooth cone shape. The waist was not overly compressed, and the breasts were flattened, resulting in a high, mounded bust line.

Cleavage Contest Rules:

1. Minimum Age – The Cleavage Contest is open to all females over the age of 18. Please bring proof of ID.

2. Cleavage Defined – Cleavage typically refers to the hollow between a woman’s breasts, as defined by the neckline of the garment worn.

3. Disqualification – Bare breasts, flashing, or topless outfits will not be allowed and will result in immediate disqualification.

4. Disclaimer – All photos taken of contestants and contest winners become the property of King Richard’s Faire and may be used for publicity purposes without further remuneration to said contestants or winners of the Cleavage Contest.

Here ye!  Here ye!  All hail the King!  And, your Majesty’s Prince and Princess of course!

All children age 12 years and younger are invited to participate in Prince and Princess Contest at King Richard’s Faire.  On Saturday, September 27th (rain date September 28th), King Richard’s Faire will select one special Prince and one special Princess who will be knighted on the King’s Stage at 4:00 p.m.  Pre-registration is not required.  Contestants should line up at the stage just prior to the contest.
                                  
King Richard will choose the Prince and Princess who best represent the Realm in manner and dress.  Pomp and circumstance will not be spared as the pair is ceremoniously crowned!
                                                                       
The Prince will be presented with sword and shield (wooden) to protect thy Kingdom, while the Princess will receive an exquisite tiara and veil.

Winners will accompany the King and his royal court onto the Dais for the 5 p.m. Joust.

Need a brief overview of the couture of the times?  During the 16th century, the concept of “children’s clothes” did not exist.  Essentially, children during this time wore adult style clothing that was “scaled down” to fit them.  Clothing was always tailored and elaborately adorned.  Collars and sleeves were quite glamorous and showy.  A Prince’s apparel would include “breeches”, while a Princess’ dress would be similar to the Queen’s gown. 

Prince and Princess Contest Rules:

1. The Royal Duo – Contestants with the best costume representing 16th century royalty and the best manners suiting the Realm will be selected as Prince and Princess.

2. Disqualification – Children over the age of 12 are not eligible. King Richard’s Faire vendors, staff, performers and their families are ineligible from participating. 

Show off your ink in King Richard’s Tattoo Contest!  On Saturday, October 4th (rain date October 5th), King Richard’s Faire will hold a Tattoo Contest on the King’s Stage at 4:00 p.m.  Pre-registration is not required.  Contestants should line up at the stage just prior to the contest.

Prizes will be awarded in three categories:

• Best Renaissance Themed Tattoo
• Most Exotic Tattoo
• Most Regrettable Tattoo

Each of the three winners of the Tattoo Contest will receive a gift certificate from one of New England's premiere tattoo parlors.

Winners will accompany the King and his royal court onto the Dais for the 5 p.m. Joust.

During the 16th century, brute strength and valor were esteemed, as were the “darker” arts of sorcery and witchcraft.  Need ideas as to what may qualify for the Best Renaissance Tattoo?  Just look at the types of animals and weaponry revered during the Renaissance, such as pythons, tigers, jaguars, falcons, bow and arrow, daggers, swords and iron chains.  Fantasy creatures such as demons, wizards, warlocks and sorcerers were admired for their “mystical” ways.

Tattoo Contest Rules:

Location of Tattoo - Tattoo must be located on an area of the body not covered by a traditional swimsuit.  For women, this means a two-piece swimsuit.  For men, this means a “Speedo” style swimsuit.  String bikinis and thongs are not considered traditional swimsuits in this case.

Disqualification - Tattoos with obscene words, graphics or gestures will not qualify.  Contestants demonstrating obscene behavior during contest will be disqualified.  King Richard’s Faire vendors, staff, performers and their families are ineligible from participating.