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One o/ the Renaissance Festival's 250 artisans demonstrates the ancient craft of glassblowing.
Behind the Scenes
At the Texas Renaissance Festival
The modern world behind the scenes at
the Texas Renaissance Festival breaks the
enchanting web of fantasy the festival strives
to weave. The letdown is comparable to
watching a film being shot in Hollywood and
walking around back, only to discover the
spectacular set is just a facade.
Mud, tractors, trucks and garbage hide
beyond the fences that enclose the magical
kingdom, providing a jolt back to reality for
anyone who strays from the grass-covered
paths.
Employees, who were peddling their
wares moments before, now settle down with
co-workers to rest tired feet on back porches.
When the wenches and rogues take their
breaks, Southern drawls replace the cockney
accents that add to the flavor of the festival.
Many of the employees live near the site
of the 12th annual festival and, whether this
Story by Nancy Neukirchner
Photos by Bill Hughes