Elizabethan-era Privateer Makes Anchor in Kenosha Area

Kenosha, WI (July 3, 2006) - Among the hustle and bustle of the merchants, artisans, towne criers, and villagers, citizens are anticipating the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Queen Elizabeth Tudor.  Plans are in place for the Queen's Parade, and her arrival in Bristol’s port is imminent. The year is 1574 and the place is the Bristol Renaissance Faire, located in southeast Wisconsin’s Kenosha Area. 

A much-anticipated addition to the Faire this year is the Dreadnought, a 90-foot replica of an Elizabethan-era privateer.  It is the type of vessel that would carry the Queen to Bristol, England in the 16th Century.  Accordingly, the theme of the 19th Annual Bristol Renaissance Faire season is: Eat Drinke and Be Maritime!  The season runs July 8–September 4, Saturdays and Sundays and Labor Day, 10am-7pm.

The Dreadnought is anchored at one end of Lake Elizabeth. Closely resembling the real vessel, and weighing 10 tons, this replica is the creation of Michael and Janet Breza, who reside in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Michael has always been fascinated by pirate ships and has collected nautical artifacts for many years.  He needed just the right setting to display his artifacts, according to Susan Scot Fry, Entertainment & PR Director for the Faire. Fascinated by his first visit to the Bristol Renaissance Faire four years ago, he and Janet came up with the idea to build a replica Elizabethan ship. For a nominal fee, visitors can board the ship and experience a living history museum with a docent-led tour.

The Bristol Renaissance Faire also features many more new attractions this summer, including Barely Balanced, a gymnastic, fire-eating, juggling comedy act; the International Music Stage; Costume Contests for the public; and a new foe for Robyn Hoode: buccaneers.  The Bristol Renaissance Faire is located just west of I-94 at the Wisconsin/Illinois border, 12550-120th Avenue.  For ticket information, visit www.renfair.com or call (847) 395-7773.

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