“Open wide the gates!” That’s the call that awakes the Bristol Renaissance Faire every weekend from July 6-Sept. 2, ushering crowds into a fantastical Elizabethan English village populated with knights, jesters, bards and many other colorful characters.
It’s Julie McMillin’s favorite tradition. As social media director and performer at the Kenosha County faire for 16 years, she’s done her share of guiding guests through the largest ren faire in the state. She gives us the rundown here.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
You’ve been working with Renaissance Entertainment (which operates the Bristol faire) for over 20 years now in two different roles: performer and social media director. What has that been like?
When I was in college, I said that I wanted to find a job where I could help my friends do the acting they want to do, and maybe moonlight in a role now and then. Somehow, that’s exactly where I’m at. Since accepting an office role in 2010, I’ve been able to work from home and perform at the Bristol faire on weekends. I get to be home to watch my kids grow up, and be part of the magic that I absolutely adore. It’s really the best of both worlds.
What is your favorite part of the ren faire?
Oh boy, it’s like asking me to choose a favorite child! I suppose it has to be Queen Elizabeth. She is so regal, so authentic and so in-character. I once saw someone present her with a purple plastic trumpet, and she accepted it with the poise that is expected of a ruler. It’s the most incredible thing.
What makes the Bristol faire special?
I think it’s the diversity that we have in terms of the kinds of entertainment we bring in, the types of merchants we host in our marketplace, and the attention we pay to the comfort of performers and guests. When you step through the gates, you will be transported to 1574, except with pub crawls and gluten-free options. It takes one tank of gas to get to the faire, but we are 500 years away, and we take that dichotomy very seriously.
You must have seen a lot of joy in your years performing. Can you tell me about your most memorable experience at the faire?
During a solo performance at Kids’ Kingdom of the “Puss in Boots” original folktale, where I was dressed as an orange tabby cat, I called up a volunteer to stand in as the queen. This little girl happened to be deaf, and her mother was translating everything I said for her from the back row of the theater. I don’t sign, but I know “thank you” from a class I took in college. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for her to get the idea of what she was supposed to say. She nailed it. To this day, I teach all new cast members that sign because if there is one thing that you should know in a different language, it’s how to say thank you.
Any advice for first-timers?
Just be comfortable. If you feel confident wearing a costume, then do that! At the very least, wear something weather appropriate. You can plan every minute or fly by the seat of your pants – as long as you are having fun.
