July 5th and 6th, 2008

The Big Bear Valley Renaissance Society, Inc. is delighted to announce our first Victorian Festival on July 5th and 6th, 2008, at our permanent site on the north shore of Big Bear Lake!

Hosted in the lovely little town of Fawnskin, the Victorian Festival is a day in Charles Dickens’ London – a city filled with lively and colorful characters from both literature and history. Come join us for an adventure in this elegant era with hundreds of costumed players in music halls, pubs and dance parties. Explore our winding lanes, finding trinkets and treasures while surrounded by enticing aromas of hearty foods and the joyous sound of music in the air.

Some of the activities will include a Victorian Tea, Tea with the Queen, and readings by Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain, and other literary artists of the 19th century. We will have demonstrations of the Gatling gun, cannon, and a battle of the Queen's Royal Army! Entertainment will also be provided on five stages throughout the day. And, for the younger set, we will have the children’s craft & game area.

While not all visitors come in costume, a great many do. The highlight of the event, the Grand Masque Ball under the stars on Saturday night, is a costumed affair, although a non-costumed gallery is available, if you would like to witness the glamorous spectacle.

As with all productions of the Bear Valley Renaissance Society, Inc., all profits from the Fawnskin Victorian Festival will go to our children and teachers for educational endeavors. Building upon the successes of our Pirate and Renaissance Faires, we hope to make the Fawnskin Victorian Festival an annual event as well, with our teachers & students involved in the planning and production.