Even tho I arrived way early, Opening Gate nearly passed me by as I slipped into garb for the day. Here (photo, left), King Henry chats briefly with the Lord Mayor while the Queen looks out over the assembled crowd of fairegoers...and breathes. Trust me, THAT were an event all by itself! More views of the Opening Ceremony are available in the Gallery at the bottom of this page.

As always, Isis and the Stardancers performed magnificently (photo, right)! This year, they danced on the Holly Field Stage instead of their usual venue on the Gypsy Stage in Pecan Grove. For me, there was a considerable advantage in this change: I could move around the stage while taking pictures, without the Gypsy backdrop getting in the way. Sort of "bellydancing in the round" (ahem!). A Gallery of Isis and the Stardancers can be found also at the bottom of this page.

Of course, the Corsairs were there. What would Scarborough be without them? I made two of their shows this day, not just because their music is GREAT but also for the zaniness of their onstage antics! They are a riot!!! In this view (photo, left), they're showing off their new "songboard" to the audience. Apparently, they're now taking paid requests for each show, so the songboard helps them stay on track during each performance. As usual for the Corsairs, they managed to make it sound funny even as they explained the uses for their new 'board! More Corsairs pics are available in the Gallery, below.

What can you say about The Rogues, AKA The Rogues of Scotland (photo, right)? If you've heard them play, you already KNOW how great they are; if you haven't -- then get thee to the nearest faire whereat they next perform: you are missing a GREAT Highland Band! Their music is lively and downright infectious. I saw at least four lovely young lasses dancing as they played, nor could I keep my own foot from tapping along with their music! A Rogues Gallery (pun intended) is also available at the bottom of this page.

When you come to the end of a perfect day -- here, crossing the footbridge at Villagers' Crossing on the way back to the Main Gate, (photo, left). Even the WORST day at faire is still far better than the BEST day at work! Although I had intended but a single visit to Scarborough this year, it now appears I absolutely MUST make Closing Weekend in June. By their schedule, Hey Nunnie, Nunnie and Spoonfed Tribe will be performing then. Now I've only heard about Hey Nunnie, Nunnie, but I KNOW the Tribe is GOOD. Like, they have DRUMS -- and that's always good enough for me!!!

So when are YOU going to Scarborough Faire???

THE OPENING CEREMONIES--Four views of the Opening Ceremonies at Scarborough Faire.

ISIS AND THE STARDANCERS--five views of Isis and her beautiful bevy of bellydancers, shakin' their booties.

THE CORSAIRS--three views of The Corsairs in performance at the Dirty Duck Pub.

ROGUES' GALLERY--two views of the Rogues, as they played at the Gypsy Stage at Scarborough.

COSTUMES AND CHARACTERS--eight views of costumes and characters at Scarborough.

SCARBOROUGH, THE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL--Four views of Scarborough Faire.