Celtic Christmas at the TexRenFest 2022

The last weekend of the TexRenFest 2022 season is themed as Celtic Christmas weekend and is a lot of fun. This weekend includes the Friday also, which is nice to have a third day to enjoy the last weekend at TRF.

What follows is a story for each of the final 3 days with photos. I hope you enjoy the look back.

I camped out 2 weekends this season. For every other day that I arrived at the festival, I was the first one in the parking area. I get up at 4:30am, leave my place at 6:30am and arrive at TRF by 7:30am. That gives me 1 1/2 hours before the cannon goes off to get my throne pics and pics of the beefeaters. I also enjoy a cup of hot chocolate on the colder days.

When I arrive, the grounds crew has already walked the walkway and picked up every bit of trash. For the most part, the patrons at the TexRenFest don’t litter, which is nice.

I like being able to park close so that my walk back to my Tahoe is not a long one at the end of my day.

The estimate is that 500,000 people visit TRF each season.

That is not 500,000 individual people because several people attend on multiple days, but 500,000 is the cumulative number of visits.

I usually get a beefeater to snap my throne pics. Jim and Greg are always so nice about it.

Here’s Jim. Such a nice guy.

All season long, the front gate beefeaters were happy to pose for me and I appreciated that.

I like getting a pic of the entrance plaza inside the gates before the crowds enter. It’s so peaceful in the mornings. And later in the day, there are a lot of people in this area.

I stopped by the Queen’s Pantry for a hot chocolate on this day. It really warms a person up.

Queen Juana was happy to pose with me all season long and I’m grateful. She is so nice to me and I enjoy her company.

A few barbarians and vikings. Good group of people.

Alan, getting ready to fire the morning cannon.

A cool screen grab from the video of the firing.

Capturing the morning cannon on video was a favorite thing to do for me.

The King entertaining the guests.

The Queen was always happy to pose for me and she always looked great.

These two ladies were photographed several times by me and they were always very pleasant.

Jade is another favorite of mine to photograph. So beautiful and talented.

Kristina played the White Swan and was great at it. Very beautiful also.

The morning dance with cast and patrons.

Rudy plays Hamish McGregor, the bagpipe player. He stays busy all day long with his pipes and does a fantastic job entertaining the patrons and leading the daily parade.

TRF had some really nice Christmas trees.

Tea and Strumpets has the best bacon sandwich in the Kingdom and an awesome upstairs patio.

June works there and is a new friend. Very photogenic.

Elizabeth as well.

My eyes are down here.

Gracelynn and Karlee.

Ravenswood Leather.

Rebel, Mary, MJ and Tori. Some of the best salespersons in New Market Village.

Ravenswood Leather has so many great items.

I purchased two leather pouches this season and really like them a lot.

When at TRF, you should definitely stop by this shop.

So many cool items to choose from.

Their hats are great.

I may have some custom items made.

Dex cooked up a lot of chicken this season.

Thirsty Pirate Pub.

Katy, Michael, Margot and Shane. Great people and new friends.

The Pirate Pub was a favorite place to visit all season long.

Cheyenne looked festive with her glasses.

And her outfits were always very nice.

Meeting Kasia was a highpoint of my season. Such a nice person and so hard working. The Polish Pub is lucky to have her as the manager.

The staff of the Polish Pub dressed for every themed weekend. And always looked great.

Maybe next season, I’ll take an elephant ride.

And camel too.

Savannah was in the Christmas spirit and was so nice all season long.

Julie helped me out a lot by allowing me to photograph and taste several items from their menu.

I didn’t try the loaded baked potato but it looked delicious. I’ll definitely try it next season.

Julie is one of the most beautiful women at TRF. Many others have mentioned this also. I’m not alone in this.

Her and her daughter, Kylie, are very photogenic.

Kylie lets me get her photo also and I’m grateful.

I took Jessica’s pic a lot during the season and was happy to get a pic with her. So nice.

Jenna was a favorite to photograph and several people commented on her photos.

Catalina Longview works with Kylie at the Bread Bowl stand. Another RenFest beauty.

I didn’t try the bread bowl either, but it’s on my list for next season. Looks great.

A fun group pic.

Bri is another new friend that I made this season. She always had great photos too.

The Cajun Food staff is another favorite of mine. Angela, Blaise, Vendella and Reagan.

Blaise never takes a bad pic.

I was happy to take pics of the food stand staffs. They deserve attention for the long, hard hours they work.

Kelsey and Alex. Two more TRF beauties.

The staff at the Red Lion Tavern dressed for each weekend also and really looked great.

Ty and his staff were always ready for a pic and I liked that.

Allen was so very nice to me every time that I stopped by the Wyrmwood Public House.

Two lovely ladies enjoying a drink at the Wyrmwood. Juju is on the right.

Mickey is my favorite bartender in all of the Kingdom. Last season, he introduced me to the Wyrmwood and I’m so happy he did.

He is such a cool guy and a great, new friend of mine.

Monsieur Bunny prefers to be called Daddy, so I do. When people hear me say that, they always laugh.

I took some pics of Ammon. He does the puppet show and the kids love it.

The whip show is always packed.

Kasia is so nice to me that she’s very easy to like. I consider her a dear friend.

Jessica and Stephanie were always ready for a pic and looked great each time.

I did try the fried pickles at Julie’s stand. The Fish and Chips stand has some great items on the menu and the fried pickles were delicious. Julie and I shared them.

These are a must to try if you visit the TexRenFest. And you get to meet Julie… an added bonus.

Kylie and Catalina.

Lourdes is another new, dear friend. She helped me out a lot during the season by letting me try items from their menu.

This is the fried crawfish. So good!

The RenFest has great patrons that are always willing to pose for a pic.

Hyle and Erika at the Asgardian Armory.

So beautiful.

Erika always make me look good. Beautiful women tend to do that for a clown like me, lol.

The Asgardian Armory has such a fun, nice staff that I stop by there every day that I’m at the festival.

Greg works at Catskill Mountain Moccasins. He is also very nice to me and lets me store my stuff at their booth.

Becca works there also. Very stylish.

I met Sara last season and she’s become a good friend. I like her a lot.

This staff does a great job for Catskill Mountain Moccasins. They sell a lot of moccasins during the season.

A close-knit group.

This lovely fairy is a great addition to the festival. So beautiful.

I tried the taco salad on this day.

All I can say is that it was great. I’ll have this again next season.

The Spanish Area has some of my favorite dishes.

The King and Queen of Spain.

Another fun group pic.

Ronnie is probably the most in shape dude at TRF.

Another of the fantastic Christmas trees in the Kingdom.

The French section has some great food also.

I ran into Pain Killer. He’s a fun guy.

His back looks awesome.

Santa Scott. A great look for the holidays.

Santa, I would like 2 ‘old school’ Victoria’s Secret models, gift-wrapped and under my tree by Xmas morning.

Amanda works at the Sea Devil Tavern in the Glory Hole bar. A good friend of mine.

Mickel makes a good Santa too.

The shiny, metal on her outfit is all beer can pull tabs. That’s a lot of beer to make this. Impressive.

Kids love the pony rides.

Shelley and Katy at the Pirate Pub.

Tawni and Elizabeth, upstairs at the pub.

Written in the concrete at the Thirsty Pirate Pub.

A great photo op.

Chelsea’s bird whistle stand.

She is a great salesperson and so very nice.

Three more RenFest beauties. That’s Juju in the middle.

Another great tree at the festival.

I told this couple that their costumes would look better is they went to the gym more. They didn’t laugh, lol.

I never took a carriage ride this season. Maybe next year.

I didn’t ask this Santa for my VS models because I have faith in Santa Scott to deliver.

So colorful and festive. Great costuming.

The tree in the entrance plaza. A great photo op.

Lady Iris stays busy painting faces all day long. Such a sweet soul.

After I take my morning Tahoe pics, I back in so it’s easier to leave.

This concludes the pics from Friday at the festival.

First again on the Saturday.

A little wet on this day from all of the rain overnight.

The day turned out well and it was another good day to be in New Market Village.

Morning throne pic.

Willie and Jim are great.

The entry plaza tree.

June was a pleasure to meet and I enjoyed getting pics of her.

Zoe served me my morning hot chocolate from the Queen’s Pantry.

Such a good look.

Lady Iris’ supplies to do her face painting.

Several members of the cast come by before the festival opens to get their faces painted.

And Lady Iris always does a great job for them.

Sherry was fun to meet.

I went back to the Queen’s Pantry to buy a hot chocolate for Lady Iris.

Sherry looked great in front of the tree.

Another screen grab from the video of the morning cannon firing.

On this morning, Brandi ignited the cannon. She was one of the only ones to do it correctly by covering an ear and opening her mouth to lessen the percussion to the brain.

Queen Juana, looking as good as ever.

I ran into Kevin. He’s one of my favorite pirates at the festival.

Every good pirate wears many rings.

And so do I.

I’ve been lucky in life. From left to right… Sturgis Motorcycle Rally ring, Lifeguard Championship ring, IndyCar Championship ring, Nascar Championship ring (Jeff Gordon), Turquoise for luck, Brickyard 400 Championship ring ( Jeff Gordon), NHRA Ring, College ring. I have another ring that will be delivered soon to replace the turquoise ring.

Over the course of the season, I had many comments made on the way I dressed. On this day, a lady at the Queen’s Pantry told me that she liked my sense of style.

Two damn good-looking pirates, lol.

The morning dance.

I photographed this group often and the pics always came out great.

Elizabeth looked good in her holiday corset.

I like the effort TRF puts in to create the holiday spirit.

Mary, Tori, MJ and Rebel.

I met MJ last season and added her shop to my morning route. So nice.

Mary has one of the best hats at the festival and looks great in it.

Tori was always happy to pose with me and I’m glad about that.

I met Rebel at a comicon. She’s a really good cosplayer.

Thirsty Pirate Pub.

I never saw their decorations after dark, but I bet they looked fantastic.

Shelley and Katy.

The Polish Pub staff. So cute in their outfits.

Jacob is a lucky man.

The Polish Pub is a favorite stop of mine.

Kasia is also lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people.

Jacob and Kasia.

Kasia is another lovely lady that makes me look good.

Cheyenne can be added to that list as well.

Jenna was a pleasure to photograph.

Jessica and Stephanie.

Julie, looking as beautiful as ever.

Catalina Longview.

Adriana was really nice to me all season long.

Blaise.

Vendella.

Reagan.

Kelsey and Alex.

Red Lion Tavern staff.

Haley, looking so cute and so festive.

I decided to start asking Haley to take a pic with me and I’m glad she agreed.

Lilly, the high seas Barbie. Such a good look for her.

Always happy to get a pic with her.

Queen Juana.

I stopped by the Wyrmwood on this day and Allen greeted me with pleasure.

Mickey and Taylor.

Two cool dudes, indeed. Ha.

An overhead view of the Wyrmwood.

Probably the coolest bar in the Kingdom.

Daddy and I.

Taylor and Daddy.

Funny pic.

Travis is another good friend.

Bri looks good in her ears.

So cute.

Becca looks great each day.

I look forward to seeing Greg on the comicon circuit this next year. He’s also a great cosplayer.

Hyle and Erika.

I’ll miss taking Erika’s picture every weekend. Already looking forward to the next season in 2023.

A favorite pic of mine.

Alex always had great poses.

I’ll meet Alex at another festival this next Spring.

Waiting for the couple that was about to be married.

Santa Scott and his main squeeze.

Another pic of this beautiful fairy.

This lovely lady always does a great job with her costumes and face.

I went by the Fish and Chips booth and Julie let me try the fish and chips. The fish is catfish and it was very good. I’ll try that again next season.

I’m amazed that I didn’t gain any weight with all of the food I had this season. Walking around the festival helped burn it off.

Cheyenne and Kasia. Two great, new friends of mine.

The Polish Pub has two great acts to enjoy while you’re there. 2 Merry Men and Chaste Treasure are very entertaining.

Another packed audience for the whip act.

I asked this group if they wanted a pic so they posed for me. Then, I said that the pic was only $20. They didn’t laugh, but I did.

Philip is the best dressed pirate at TRF and always looks spectacular.

I met these two RenFest cuties on this last weekend.

I’ve ran into these two clowns a lot over the past 2 years. Great to photograph.

I tried the steak on a stick this season and it is one of my favorites at the TexRenFest. It’s a best-seller for Lourdes and her staff.

So delicious.

I tried the Cuban sandwich on this day and I really enjoyed it.

Ligia, the Empanada Lady, has so many great dishes at her 15 food stands. I loved all of the ones I tried.

Chelsea’s stand.

I wonder how many whistles she sells in a season. I bet it’s a lot.

I photographed this lady last season and was happy to run into her again this year.

A fun group pic.

The view from the Tea and Strumpets’ patio.

This last Saturday had a good crowd.

And the weather was good.

Santa making a child happy.

Lots of kids got to sit on Santa’s lap.

Still coming in as I was leaving for the day.

This concludes the pics from the last Saturday of the festival.

First again on the last day of the festival.

No sign of rain on this day.

George is a genius and a visionary.

All hail, King George.

Morning throne pic.

Hundreds of thousands passed through these gates this season.

Willie and Greg.

Robert and a few beefeaters.

The final beefeaters pic of the season.

On this morning, I bought Lady Iris’ hot chocolate when I purchased mine.

I’ll miss taking June’s pic each day.

Lady Iris at work before the festival opens.

And she paints tatas also.

All painted and ready for the last day of TRF 2022.

A beautiful tree.

I love Gabby’s hat. She looks good in it.

I caught Rudy as he was going out to entertain the early morning patrons. Such a nice guy and a good friend.

Alan, preparing to fire the cannon.

Boom goes the dynamite, lol. That’s an older reference to something funny. IYKYK.

The video of the last cannon firing of the 2022 season.

Jade, looking as cute as ever.

Robert and his sidekick piggy.

Erin makes a great Glenda, the good witch.

The morning dance.

Ravenswood Leather decorated for the holidays. I would have loved to see it after dark.

MJ makes a good Vanna.

The staff at Ravenswood never refused me a pic and that was cool of them.

MJ is the only person to tell me to turn my credential around for the pic. I appreciated that.

I took Elaine’s pic quite often and they are among my favorites.

Katheryn allowed me to take her pic several times also. Very cute.

Thirsty Pirate Pub.

Love the hats on Shelley and Katy.

I’ll miss seeing Savannah. Another RenFest cutie.

The staff of the Polish Pub.

Great people.

All so very fun-loving and hard-working. They are an asset to the festival.

Jacob and Kasia.

I’ll miss seeing Kasia every weekend also.

I look forward to returning to the Polish Pub next season.

Three fun patrons.

And I’ll definitely miss seeing Julie. Easy on the eyes and a good friend.

Kenley, Vendella and Reagan.

Lourdes let me try the fried shrimp and I loved them. Lourdes was so kind to me all season long and I can’t thank her enough.

So good.

Red Lion Tavern staff.

Haley looks good as a red head and also as a blonde.

I was in the Greek section and decided to try a salad.

I really liked it a lot. I’ll definitely have this again next year. Superb.

Three RenFest beauties.

Lourdes, Kelsey, Tanya and Alex were the best-dressed staff for the last weekend.

I loved getting pics of Pam all season long. Such a fun person and she loves her job at the Sea Devil Tavern in the Bilge Pump bar area.

Jim MacKenzie always had a large crowd for his act.

Kylie.

Adrianna and Kylie at the Bread Bowl stand.

Cheyenne and Kasia.

Chaste Treasures. Three beautiful and talented women.

On this last day, I had the cabbage rolls again from the Polish Pub. I never liked cabbage before and had never tried a cabbage roll. Now, I’m a big fan. Love it.