By Kayla Henard
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
For 68-year-old Navy veteran Michael Higgs, the Maryland Renaissance Festival is more than just an excuse to play dress up, eat a turkey leg with your bare hands or drink a good ale once a year.
“This festival has been a huge part of my life for the last 40 years and something I hold dear to my heart,” Higgs said. “My family has grown up here and I’ve met many great people along the way.”
Higgs is an art vendor at the festival, selling hand-carved wood pieces that he works on year-round, including illustrations, swords and knives. His booth is accompanied by various family members who contribute to the art pieces on display.
What sets Higgs apart from many festival vendors is his 40-season regime. He has not missed a single day since the festival started and is the only employee to have a perfect attendance.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival honored Higgs on Saturday, presenting him with a gold plated plaque and wooden pin thanking him for his dedication over the years.
“I only let myself get sick after the show,” Higgs said jokingly. “I wish they’d give me a raise.”
The festival held its 40-year anniversary celebration this weekend, attracting a large crowd with its overload of performers. Fools, musicians, actors and aerialists occupied every stage from the opening of the gates Saturday morning until closing time on Sunday.
Since 1977, the festival has been a well-known annual occurrence in Maryland, originating in Columbia until moving to its current location on a 25-acre property in Crownsville. The festival begins at the end of August and spans until the last week of October.
Like Higgs, the Maryland Renaissance Festival has sentimental value for vendor Melissa Crawford, a co-owner of Rosie’s Posies.
Since she was 3 years old, Melissa has accompanied her mother to the festival and now – at the age of 33 – she sells handmade silk-dried flower crowns yearly.
“This place is like home to me,” Crawford said. “When I think of my childhood, this is a big part.”
Festival artisans weren’t the only dedicated attendees this weekend.
Andrea Coltiletti has attended the Renaissance Festival for the last 22 years since moving to Maryland.
“I love everything about it – from dressing up in costume, awesome food, great entertainers, and even getting to know the people who run it year to year,” Coltiletti said. “The atmosphere here is one of a kind.”
This year’s festival storyline is based in the year 1526 and replicates the time of King Henry VIII. Guests like
Coltiletti, along with vendors, dressed in elaborate Victorian gowns, capes, and knights armor and deemed the festival as a role playing realm.
In honor of the festival’s 40th year in Maryland, a sweepstakes giveaway was held to thank fans. The grand prize winner receives a round trip with airfare along with three guests to Orlando Universal Studios. The winner has not yet been announced.
With the festival’s growing popularity, its future looks bright.
“I think growth is good,” Higgs said. “I can see why people can’t get enough of this place. Look at me.”