I started working at the Festival nine years ago for Steve Mudd and Carol Kurtz at Gemini Glass. It wasn't until I started attending St. Cloud State University that I even thought of being involved with the entertainment part. If it weren't for Walter Napirkowski (Math the Wizard) I would never have met everyone at the Hill. And if I hadn't moved to the Hill I probably wouldn't have gotten mixed up with those awful French. It's surprising how fast things can happen at the Festival. I'm looking forward to next year and hope that more opportunities to play with participants and patrons alike will develop. And just wait till you see next years costume.

astitchoftime@yahoo.com

I began attending ren fest later in life. I knew they were there, but never knew anyone who was interested in going till I first met my wife. As luck had it she introduced me to the MNRF as the first fest I ever attended, I was hooked from that moment on. I lived in Georgia though so attended the renfest down there till I moved north. I have been going as a playtron for the last 5 years since moving to MN and have been a proud owner! of season tickets for the last 4 years. May hap one day I shall be more than a playtron but that thing called real life sure has a way of intruding upon things. So till then, I'll continue attending MNRF as long as I can.
[submitted 6/13/2006]

kilroyshr01@gmail.com
http://home.mn.rr.com/silverback1/

Shane King, Games ~ Veggie Justice

jking@softhome.net

kinseraa@gmail.com

I attended the MNRF for the first time when I was a little girl back in 1982. I knew from the moment I walked in the gate that I was at my "home away from home". I moved out of state & was unable to attend for a few years, but have since returned & have faithfully attended every year since 1997. My daughter (Kristen Kinsey) is also involved in fest & my husband Chad isn't far behind. I have made several friends, some of which are like family to me. I spend most of my time volunteering my help with photography/videography & miscellaneous running around for some of the stage acts. I am most often found near the Tortuga Twins or Ten Seconds of Harmony as they are who I help the most. I can also be found with the Washing Well Wenches or Shakespeare's Love Child or just wandering the streets. I am always willing to meet new people so if you happen to see me feel free to say hello!
[submitted 7/1/2006]

kay@hiddenshadows.com
www.tortugaland.com

I have been going to the renaissance festival scence i was 7 years old-almost half my life. I haven't actually gotten a job out there yet but hopefully in the future i am going to. If you ever want to find me I'm usually by Shakespeare's Love Child, Tortuga twins, or Ten Seconds of Harmony, and if i'm not there I'm usually walking around.
[submitted 4/27/2006]

Kriskin@hiddenshadows.com
www.myspace.com/lelloweyes

Erika Kinsman, Shop Worker
Divinity the Wench, Mistress Martha Bexley, Erika the Beer Wench

Fest for me started in the front of Chicken on a Stick in 97. The cannon blew and I went, "What the hell was that?" Originally I am from Bemidji, and to pass the time on the long drive, Don Espe drug me down at the tender young age of 16. I had never been to Fest before. I loved it, and within two weeks I had been promoted to supervising my own booth. In 98' I won Supervisor of the Year in my area, still in a food booth. In 99' I got smart and supervised the Travelers cart in front of Bad Manor. In 00 I finally moved to the cities and went to academy. I was recruited by Mistress Bawd, and helped out at Queen's Pub. I then did a year as a Puppet and in 02' I had a beautiful baby girl, Ingrid and we did street together for a year. After that I moved to beer sales for two years and in 05' I signed on as shop help with Felix. Somewhere in there I got married to a wonderful guy (Bob,) had another baby (Ben), and graduated from college with a BA in Criminal Justice. In my years at Fest I have and met so many incredible people as I grew up, and I would like to thank them all for putting up with me.
[submitted 4/21/2007]

giasurfrider@hotmail.com

Full Picture

1997 - 1998: CKC - Queens Tea/Special Events
1999 - 2004: Street - William O'Mally
2005 - 2007: Musical Group - Misplaced
2008 - Present: Street Minstrel - William O'Mally
[submitted 6/3/2009]

bkirchmann@gmail.com

I Lady Jenea have been involved in Fest working at Linden Hills Pottery starting in 2001 and advancing to position of Mgr in 2004. I am the paramour now Fiance of Sir Peter of AtosenniM and we will be wed in May of 2005. Looking forward to a wonderful season and seeing all of our lovely friends and getting to know even more. Stop by Linden Hills Pottery and chat awhile Huzzah
[submitted 2004-08-23]

Jeanc507@yahoo.com

I, Sir Peter, have been privileged to work in the Excellent Company of Sir William & Lady Cynthia of Linden Hills Pottery the last several seasons. I am also seen in the company of other roguish characters at the Queens Pub enjoying the music, comedy & camaraderie of other festies listening to Mistress Bawd & the Court Revelers & Vagabond, looking forward to another wonderful year. Huzzah!
[submitted 6/30/2004]

I started going to Fest back when I was in grade school. Once in High School (with a car of my own) I started getting season passes, and was out there every weekend in costume. Then in the beginning of the 2004 season I asked Merlin what I had to do to get a job at Fest, and he sent me to Linda, who was working at New Wineskin leather, for my first job. The 2005 season I also worked for the crafters. This year I wanted to try something new, so I’ll be Joining A.P.E.s ! (Armed Personal Escorts).
[submitted 6/28/2006]

bjkisch1@yahoo.com

Started fest in 2002 volunteering for Como Cottage. In 2003 became a Vilifier in Vilification Tennis in the team "The Condiments." In 2005 joined the Fandazzi Gypsy Tribe and became Sasha, a Russian Gypsy who has joined up with the Fandazzis. Can be found with the Fandazzi's or, at 12:30 in Vilification Tennis.
[submitted 2/28/2007]

salsakisely@hotmail.com

Lynn Kissock, Royal Court
Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, sister to Prince Phillip, niece to King Richard and Queen Margaret

I currently play Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra (Al), sister of Prince Phillip, niece of King Richard and Queen Margaret. Al's story is this: When her father, King Henry, abdicated the throne and retired to a villa in the South of France, she went with him and her dear mumsy. They (Henry and Co.) quickly realized that Al's antics and adventures were too much for their quiet retired life and sent her back to live with his brother who had replaced him on the throne ~ King Richard.

Daddy Henry thought that Queen Margaret would be a bit stricter and a good influence on Al. He and mumsy thought Margaret could possibly teach Alexandra to be a lady. HAH! Al is much too strong headed and tomboyish for that. She wants to learn how to fence, shoot a few arrows, and jousting intrigues her as well. I pity those who try to turn the roguish Al into a true lady-like Princess.

Now, who am I really? I'm a person who is hopelessly in love with the faire, was pursuing a Theatre, Dance and Vocal degree at the UofM. For a few reasons I changed the degree choice and have regretted it and missed it ever since. The opportunity to play 'Al' and to play with all of you is a bright light in my life (sick, I know, but true). Here's to many more years of playing! Challenges of any sort are welcome whether they be of wit or of sword.

Oh, and yes, the motorcycle is mine.
[submitted 2/23/2003]

lynn_kissock@yahoo.com

lizzyjk.shinec@yahoo.com

I started Festival in 1986 because most of my friends and my boyfriend at the time was there. I knew that I could sing, but I never really thought that I was funny or talented. I spent my festival career hooking up with some amazing people, learning from them, and gaining both confidence and experience. I can proudly say that I was nominated for every Ren Fest award possible at the time - Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Vet/New Character, Best New Act (which we won for Maid to Order). I also was very proud to receive my Unicorn award in 1999.

Towards the end of my Festival career, I dabbled in long form Improve and started a singing group. I got pregnant, literally days after my last year of Festival, and my life changed immensely. I still sing, but I haven't been out to Fest in costume and Improve has only recently become my hobby again. Right now, the Breast Cancer 3-Day has become my creative outlet because I can dress all funky and pink, but I only have to commit one weekend away from the family. I have been involved with that for going on 5 years now.
[submitted 12/15/2008]

amyburge@comcast.net
www.swingsetchicks.com

[submitted 10/17/2006]

I started Fest in '82, sort of hanging around with a woman in Court who is long gone. I joined the Mayor's Entourage in '83 as a handmaiden (commuting for four years from Iowa State!). I changed characters in '90 to become the Lord Mayor's daughter, Alison Mary Cooper, and also became the group's co-director the same year. In '97 I also joined The Court Revelers. '98 was my last year as co-director for the Entourage; I stepped down from the managerial stuff at the end of the season. However, Alison is still quite there, still trying to collect her allowance from her Papa more than once a day! After all, there is shopping to be done and wine to be had!

HeidiK@usinternet.com

Alan Kloss, Pickleman

been performing at mrf for 17 yrs. im at the arizona fest right now as cabriolet manager.. assistant managing the swords and shields booth in colorado (and north carolina after mn) and of course, the front gate pickle man and mr. january of the upcoming pickle-boy calanders(and possibly t-shirts) this summer. i started out there at the irish cottage as a young lad, musician, dancer performer (hired out for weddings for my classical guitar skills).. won the tights competition at the pavillion(14).. almost won best entertainment by a non-entertainer my rookie pickle yr (97, i was 17).. from 13-17 i was lead singer/songwriter of "old man's goat".. a musical group that featured my little sister cailtlin, my roommate at the time (mn center of arts education) and cellist mark barrie, good friends amber tatge and susie peltzman (also well known ladies of the village)... met jimmy pick and started at the runt barrel before i settled in at c gate.. moved up to the narrows and performed there for 6 yrs.. now im the front man and plan on bringing pickles to a new level with music and dance.. look for performances with the german rappers next year.. as well as pickle baseball and golf performances, and of course.. t-shirts with pictures of myself wearing very little saying.. girls love big pickles.. much love from the desert and thank you for putting this up for me.. alan kloss
[submitted 4/1/2006]

pickleboyzunite@yahoo.com

Caitlin Kloss, Street
Huffle

I started out in 1998 singing with my brothers music group "Old Mans Goat", but ended up finding my home at the petting zoo, I am known around the realm as Cheetah.