The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

The Texas Renaissance Festival has launched a new school days sponsorship program to support school participation in the 8^th Annual School Days held on Nov. 6 and 7, 2012 on the festival grounds.

Students and educators from all public, private and home schools are invited to step back in time and explore the sights and sounds of the 16^th century at this one-of-a-kind educational experience and competition. There is no fee for schools to participate and each student’s entry fee is only $8 but for many of the schools the cost of transporting students to the festival prohibits participation.

The Texas Renaissance Festival is currently accepting partnership opportunities with area businesses and organizations to provide school sponsorships that cover the admissions fee for students. Sponsorships are also available for busing services for schools located within 100 miles of the Texas Renaissance Festival.

For 2012, the number of buses per day will be contingent on the number of sponsors acquired but for a $1,500 sponsorship the festival can provide a bus service and admission to the faire for up to 50 students. Schools interested in utilizing one of the sponsored buses can complete a bus sponsorship application form.

During the two day event, students K-12 will meet famous historical figures such as Shakespeare and King Henry VIII and will mingle with courtiers and jesters as they perform throughout the streets of New Market Village, an authentic recreation of a 16^th century township. Students and educators alike will have the opportunity to learn about the arts and trades of the Renaissance Period through kid-friendly demonstrations and shows, such as glass blowing, candle making and the world-famous fire whip show.

For those with a competitive edge, Texas Renaissance Festival is proud to be the only faire in the country to offer students of all ages a variety of UIL style contests and competitions. Students have the chance to compete against one another in essay, poetry, art, journalism, science, costume, music, theatre, science fair and trebuchet contests.

In 2011, more than 34,000 students and teachers attended the School Days Program representing more than 600 schools from Texas and the Southwest US. For more information about School Days, please visit: www.texrenfest.com/school-days. For companies interested in sponsoring a classroom, school or some of the School Days buses, please contact [email protected].

The Festival is held Saturdays, Sundays and Thanksgiving Friday. The Texas Renaissance Festival is located 50 miles northwest of Houston on more than 55 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds on FM 1774, between Magnolia and Plantersville, Texas. For more information, visit http://www.texrenfest.com or follow us on Facebook/Twitter

The Texas Renaissance Festival is the nation’s largest and most acclaimed Renaissance theme park where the sights, sounds, tastes and beauty of the 16^thCentury come alive for eight magically-themed weekends. The festival is held Saturdays, Sundays and Thanksgiving Friday and is located 50 miles northwest of Houston on FM 1774, in Todd Mission, Texas. For more information, visitwww.texrenfest.com.