FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A ROYAL INTRODUCTION TO OUR FEATURED ACTS

SHAKOPEE, Minn., (September 11, 2014) Minnesota Renaissance Festival attendees can expect to be wowed, dazzled and humored by our bursting schedule of entertainment. In addition to the hundreds of street characters roaming the streets, the Realm boasts 16 stages of live entertainment completely free of charge for a full day of enjoyment fit for King Henry himself.

On Saturday, September 13 at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, Fandazzi Fire Circus performer Bret Pasek will be attempting the Guinness World Record for torch eating. At the 4:30 p.m. show, watch him attempt to extinguish 95 torches in 60 seconds, all while cheered on by the Fandazzi crew. Fandazzi Fire Circus is an ever-evolving Twin Cities based fire circus performing live music, dance and feats of the flame.

Meet our new troupe, Black Isle Belly Dance, performing tribal fusion belly dance at the Festival for the first time, and watch this new dynamic of music and dance elements on the Gypsy Stage. Incorporating elements from both folkloric and classical dance styles, tribal fusion is a modern form of belly dance focused on the performers individual style and influenced by hip-hop.

This years Festival marks the 40^th anniversary for the nationally recognized duo of comedians, Puke and Snot, who relentlessly provide unending comedy and mayhem, cleverly disguised in Shakespearean wit and verse. Making their debut at the Minnesota Renaissance in 1975 as Mouldy and Wart, this brand of mock-Shakespearean vaudeville continues to delight the crowds after decades of performances.

Big harmonies, big sound and big fun characterize 4 Pints Shy. Enjoy original songs with traditional Irish and British roots from this bold ensemble just waiting to command your attention at the booths and pubs of the Festival. Distinctive composition and arrangements courtesy of instruments such as the Bouzouki, Strumstick and Bodhrán lift this septet into a unique listening experience.

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival 44^th season begins on Saturday, August 16 and ends on September 28, 2014. The Festival is open weekends; Labor Day and Festival Friday, September 26, 2014 open from 9 a.m. 7 p.m., rain or shine. The Festival is located seven miles south of Shakopee on Hwy 169. Festival patrons can enjoy 16 stages of live entertainment, 250 artisan vendors and 7 theme weekends, full combat jousting and food fit for a king. Admission at the gate: Adults $22.95; Children 5 12 $13.95; seniors $20.95; four and under are free! Discount tickets are available at participating Menards, Super America, Whole Foods and Walgreens. Coupons towards admission are available at participating Subway and Papa Murphys locations. Visit www.renaissancefest.com or call 952.445.7361 for more information.