King Richard’s Faire 2009
235 Main Street
Carver, MA 02330
Phone: 508-866-5391
http://kingrichardsfaire.net/
You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5yoQjSDYYs
Labor Day my mom, Ric, Tony and I once again visited the 16th Century Enchanted Village of King Richard’s Faire set in 80 acres of Forest in Carver, MA. I’ve visited this Faire annually for the past 16 years and absolutely love the unique experience.
The 2009 King Richard’s Faire is Open September 5 - October 25; Saturdays and Sundays including Labor Day and Columbus Day Mondays; 10:30am – 6:00pm. Faire Ticket Prices are: Adults $26; Children ages 5-11 $15; Children 4 & under FREE. There is NO DISCOUNT for Persons with a Physical Disability.
Last year we published a very thorough 2 Star Wheelchair Accessibility Review of King Richard’s Faire. You can read our full review by clicking on
King Richard’s Faire 2008. We were curious to see if any improvements were made on Accessibility and were delighted to find there were improvements made. Therefore we have upgraded King Richard’s Faire from 2 to 4 Stars for Accessibility.
This review will include a detail of the Accessibility Improvement as well as a VIDEO of our Overall Experience at the 2009 King Richard’s Faire. You can find out all this Faire offers by clicking on their website listed above.
The Accessibility Improvements we noted are as follows:
- A lowered wheelchair accessible Ticket Window is now located on the side of the front building where the other Ticket Windows are located. No sign is posted as of yet but will be soon.
- The Food Ticket Windows are more accessible and easier to purchase your food tickets.
- A few wheelchair accessible picnic tables in which one side has one bench removed have been placed in the Canterbury Kitchen dining area set in the forest. The only problem with these tables is only a person in a wheelchair can fit on the one side with no place for friends who are not in a wheelchair.
The Biggest Accessibility Problem which still exists throughout the King Richard’s Faire is the TERRAIN. The terrain consists of wood chips, stones, dirt and tree stumps which is very difficult to wheel on. It is also difficult for persons with physical disabilities and persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired to safely maneuver on. This problem would be difficult to greatly improve upon because the Faire is set in the natural setting of the forest. I have recommended they place some kind of accessible walkway around the parameter of the faire which would make access to the attractions, shops, stages, food court and restrooms easier.
I brought my Permobil C350 Power Chair and in some areas still got stuck on the terrain. I recommend you bring a Power Scooter, Power Chair or a strong friend to help you wheel your chair.
Overall King Richard’s Faire is wheelchair accessible if you don’t mind wheeling on tough terrain. The Shows, Village Shops, Jousting Field, Canterbury Kitchens and Restrooms are wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant.
We met Alex, Operational Manager. He is very kind, sensitive and understanding of the Importance of Accessibility. Alex told us State Inspectors from the Attorney General’s Office have conducted inspections of the Faire and all new parts meet Massachusetts Access Codes and ADA.
We told Alex we were pleased to see the Improvements on Accessibility. We recommended they provide a Discount to persons in wheelchairs, persons with a physical disability and persons who are blind or visually impaired due to the tough terrain. We also recommended they place more accessible picnic tables like the ones at Nantasket Beach Reservation or Spectacle Island. We also recommended they place an accessible walkway or Mobi-Mat RecPath that we saw on the beach at Surf Drive Beach around the parameter of the faire grounds. Parents with children strollers would also appreciate it. He kindly told us he would look into our suggestions.
King Richards Faire show “The Tale of the Tiger” is still my Favorite Attraction! The show is very accessible, educational and entertaining. I recommend all to come and meet Brahmin, a rare Golden Tabby Tiger; Hercules, a 900 lb and 11ft tall Liger who is known as ‘The King of the Jungle’; and Lord Ivory, a beautiful 10 month old rare male White Lion who is new this year.
After ‘The Tale of the Tiger’ show we once again met Rob an animal trainer for T.I.G.E.R. Rob is very kind, sensitive and understanding of the importance of accessibility.
Rob remembered me from last year. He was very thoughtful and remembered to bring a right handed protective glove this year so I could hold Cheyenne, a beautiful Harris Hawk. Last year I wasn’t able to hold Cheyenne, Dason a red Tail Hawk or Pippin a Falcon because they only had left handed gloves. Most people only hold these birds with their left hand but my left hand is paralyzed. I also met Jeff another very kind and sensitive trainer for T.I.G.E.R. Jeff was minding two adorable baby tigers; Kuman, a 8 week old Royal White Bengal; and Muteek, a 12 week old Bengal Tiger. Jeff told us all about their nature and habitat.
‘The Tale of the Tiger’ is put on by T.I.G.E.R.S. which stands for The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species. T.I.G.E.R.S. and the R.S.F. (Rare Species Fund) are based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. “The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species is a wildlife education organization, dedicated to promoting global conservation with informative, educational and entertaining interactive programs”. ‘The Rare Species Fund was established to provide funding to critical, on the ground, international wildlife conservation programs, thereby complimenting the educational messages and field research of T.I.G.E.R.S.’ To learn more about these wonderful organizations click on http://www.tigerfriends.com/ .
I give the 2009 King Richards Faire FOUR STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the Fifth Star they need to provide a Discount to persons in a wheelchair, persons with a physical disability and persons who are blind or visually impaired; place more accessible picnic tables in front of Canterbury Kitchens; and place a permanent or temporary accessible walkway around the parameter of the faire grounds. I suggest they look at a Mobi-Mat RecPath.
I give Rob, Jeff , T.I.G.E.R. and R.S.F all FIVE STARS for the great work they do protecting endangered animals and promoting Global Conservation!
Rob, Thank you for remembering to bring the right handed protective glove!!
September 10th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Excellent review.
The story about the person who remembered to bring the right handed glove is very touching. A small but very thoughtful gesture.
September 11th, 2009 at 8:52 am
I am glad that KRF seems to have cleaned up their act somewhat as it pertains to accessibility. Unfortunately in every other possible area of family fun entertainment they fail miserably. Simply put, this faire is made up of the most money hungry blood sucking leaches striving to strip you of every ounce of anything valuable you may enter their gates with I have ever encountered. I have been to similar faires in over 29 states numbering over a hundred, and this holds the terrible title of being the absolute most expensive, and worse. Go to the Conn. version of this faire. Its cheaper, far more fun, and actually qualifies as a bargain monist many others. As for this place, if you are ever in the presence of anyone that suggests it, or actually likes it, go screaming into the night…
September 11th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Hi Kenny,
I’ve heard about King Richard’s Faire but never been. After reading your great review and seeing the video I’m going with my friends this weekend if it doesn’t rain. And I’ll Bring my Power Scooter.
Thanks for the tip!
September 13th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Hello Kenny & Company,
I was thinking of taking my young son who is in a wheelchair (CP) to this fair and came accross your website.
I think your site is insightful and offers HOPE and ENCOURAGEMENT that our world can be ACCESSIBLE to ALL with disabilities.
Keep up the great work!
September 27th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Hi Kenny,
The Globe South edition of Boston Globe had a great story in today’s paper “Faire jousting; Renaissance event producers battle it out for patrons and vendors at their festivals” @
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/09/27/in_carver_and_connecticut_renaissance_faires_joust_it_out/
It mentions how expensive King Richard’s Faire is in Carver, Connecticut Renaissance Festival and an upcoming Winslow Shire Renaissance Faire in Norton.
The Winslow Shire Renaissance Faire in Norton was at The Winslow animal Farm Sanctuary in Norton June 27 and 28 of 2009.
The Connecticut Renaissance Festival is located on Gilead Street Hebron, CT and is open weekends from September 26 to October 18, 2009. Their website is http://www.ctfaire.com/
If it’s not too far you might want to see how wheelchair accessible it is.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Why is it that people feel they should be given a discount just because they are disabled? It seems a bit hypocritical to expect discounts while at the same time wanting to be accepted and treated like everyone else. I understand wanting things to be as accessible as possible, but I see NO reason to give a special discount just because someone is disabled.
September 29th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Hello Donna,
First and most importantly I believe ALL human beings should be treated equally with respect and dignity!
Secondly I believe persons with disabilities should be provided a discount ONLY IF a place is NOT equally assessable to them. The King Richard’s Faire is not equally as accessible to a person in a wheelchair. It does not provide good wheelchair accessible pathways, making it almost impossible for someone in a wheelchair to wheel themselves independently. Therefore they need to bring someone along to assist them.
Thirdly there are some areas at King Richard’s Faire that are NOT at all accessible due to a step and the very tough terrain. The rides are NOT accessible either!
Obviously you have not been faced with a physical disability. You should be thankful for your good health!
September 30th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Hi Donna,
You’re correct in understanding that it’s very important to me to be treated like everyone else. Yet I don’t think it’s hypocritical of me to expect a discount at a place where wheelchair access is extremely difficult and some of the rides/exhibits aren’t even accessible to me.
The King Richard’s Faire grounds reminds me a lot of the tough terrain at The Plimoth Plantation where I love to visit but find wheelchair access tough at many of the outdoor exhibits.
Yet Plimoth Plantation understands this and offers a “limited access” ticket for persons in wheelchairs. The regular admission tickets are $24 per person; and only $10 for the ”limited access” pass; and free for one companion with the person in a wheelchair to help assist. You can read this in my past review @ http://thetravelingwheelchair.com/the-plimoth-plantation/
I realize it would be difficult for King Richard’s Faire to provide good wheelchair access in all places because of the tough terrain but think they should understand and provide a discount just like The Plimoth Plantation does.
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:49 am
Hello,
My husband and I created the Winslowshire Festival which is coming again this June of 2010, and just wanted to give you heads up should you decide to come with the wheelchair.
This is an outdoor event on an Animal Sanctuary (where lots of animals are allowed to roam), but they do have good paths for wheelchairs to travel on. We can not gaurantee weather, but we hope for nice rain free days.
The ticket booth may be the only difficult thing to get to, but I’m sure one of our many volunteers will be more than willing to help you and guide if you should you need assistance.
For more information about our little Faire, please visit our website at http://www.winslowshire.com
Thanks!
March 3rd, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Hi Gia,
The Winslowshire Festival in Norton looks like a fantastic time. And I LOVE all animals! I’ve marked my calendar for June 26 -27 and look forward to attending.