(Photo by me from the 2025 season taken on Ilford color film)
“Since 1981, Scarborough Renaissance Festival has been a North Texas tradition providing interactive fun for everyone, 16th Century style. Scarborough is a Renaissance themed festival set in a re-created 16th Century English village celebrating the visit of King Henry VIII, his Royal Court and other dignitaries.
Entertainment includes full combat armored jousts, Birds of Prey exhibitions, the Mermaid Lagoon and unique, interactive Renaissance entertainment on 20+ stages and in the Festival lanes. There is also a 100+ member performing company that brings Scarborough to life through their portrayals of our royal court, dignitaries, villagers and peasants alike. Plus, there are thrilling Renaissance rides and challenging games of skill.
Exquisite one-of-a-kind handmade crafts can be found in our 200 village shoppes. Many of our artisans also demonstrate their age-old crafts & techniques throughout each Festival day.
A wide variety of delectable food is offered in our 5 food courts (kitchens) and includes Festival favorites like giant roasted turkey legs, Scottish eggs, handmade pastas, fresh pastries and the largest food-on-a-stick selection in Texas. For those 21 and older, there are 17 pubs & taverns and for the more discerning tastes there are daily wine and beer tasting events.
Every weekend of the 8-week season has a different theme and a variety of special events such as Kid’s Free Weekend, Celtic Weekend, Legends of the Seas and more.”
(source: https://www.srfestival.com/about-us/)
Every year my family attends Scarborough Faire. Our first stop is the Birds of Prey show ran by the Last Chance Forever Conservatory, led by John A Karger, A.H.T.
(Photo taken by me from the 2025 season on Ilford color film)
“John Anthony Karger was born in San Antonio, Texas on June 23, 1953. As founder and Executive Director of Last Chance Forever, The Bird of Prey Conservancy, he is responsible for the overall operation of the organization. Last Chance Forever receives 240 to 300 sick, injured or orphaned raptors each year—with the goal of rehabilitating them and returning them to their natural home, the wild.
His educational background is in the wildlife and veterinary sciences and reflects his desire to care for injured wildlife:
- Certified Veterinary Technician III, certification with Anesthesiology certificate issued through Texas A&M University, and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association
- Bio-engineering Behavioral Technician certification from Southwest Research Institute
Additionally, Mr. Karger is a holder of Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and United States Fish and Wildlife Service permits issued for:
- Master class Falconer
- Rescue and rehabilitation of protected wildlife species including the threatened and endangered, Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles.
- Possession of protected, threatened and endangered species for educational purposes
- Possession of live eagles for exhibition and Education
These permits allow him to care for and teach about native wildlife, including endangered species.
“For over 50 years, Mr. Karger has been deeply involved in wildlife rehabilitation, namely the rehabilitation of sick, injured, and orphaned birds of prey resulting in the release of well over 3,000 birds. In 1978, he formed Last Chance Forever, The Bird of Prey Conservancy with associates. The organization receives 240 to 300 raptors in need annually and maintains a 62% rate of return to the wild. This important work has had a national, and international impact.
His common sense oriented educational programs offered to the public have touched well over 4 million people, exposing them to the importance of birds of prey and the necessity of all life forms living in a healthy ecosystem. Presentations performed from Texas to Minnesota are well known for promoting falconry and a common sense attitude regarding the conservation of our environment. Mr. Karger has been represented with favorable notice in state and national print with numerous articles covering Last Chance Forever’s conservation efforts and in the television media on programs such as “Good Morning America,” “Wild Rescues” on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel, “Beyond 2000” on the National Geographic Channel and the United Kingdom’s BBC. He has served on committees for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and United States Fish and Wildlife Service. He acts as an advisor presently (or has served in the past) for The Minnesota Raptor Center, The Pueblo Raptor Center, Texas Falconry Advisory Board, Texas Hawking Association, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical School.”
(source: https://lastchanceforever.org/john-karger/)
I have an incredible amount of respect for this man and his team. It is truly an honor to see them every year. You simply cannot miss this show.
(Photos taken by me from the 2025 season on Ilford color film)
Another show I highly suggest seeing is seasoned performer, Jack Ze Whipper (Jack Lepiarz). Growing up, Jack was raised in the circus world with his dad, John Lepiarz, who also worked alongside well-known circus artist Ses Carny.
(Photo taken by me from the 2025 season on Cinestill 400D film)
Jack Ze Whipper’s performance is one of a kind. His style combines fast-paced, rhythmic fire enhanced whip stunts. With quick-witted audience interaction, and a faux French accent, this show sets itself a part for one unique experience.
Besides the shows, there are other fun and interactive things for people of all ages to participate in. There is a petting zoo, many shops to buy 16th century styled treasures, and of course, there is tasty food.
If you have never experienced the joys and wonders of Scarborough Renaissance Faire, I highly suggest you try it out this year!