Annual Colorado Renaissance Festival Is A Land Of Fantasy

LARKSPUR, Colo. (CBS4) – Just south of Castle Rock is a place and time unlike any other. Every year Larkspur is transformed into a land of fantasy, complete with lords and ladies, at the Colorado Renaissance Festival.

The calendar may say 2014 but inside the gates it's more like 1514 at the 38th annual festival.

"You really feel like you've gone to another time," "King Henry" said.

It's a kingdom that King Henry has reigned over for 10 years.

"I would love to reign here as long as they will let me," he said.

This year's festival fails to disappoint with traditional music performances and comedy acts with court jesters and the infamous washing well wenches. And while it keeps the classics, a new line up of felines make up the Endangered Cat Show.

(credit: CBS)

While patrons can choose to dress up or not, there are dozens of cast members in full character.

PHOTO GALLERY: Colorado Renaissance Festival

"Patrons and cast alike — they get wrapped up in the fantasy so much that it ceases to be a fantasy," King Henry said.

It's a fantasy that King Henry challenges non-believers to try before the gates close for the season.

(credit: CBS)

"If you spend the day here, I suspect that by the time they fire the closing cannon, you'll be hooked," King Henry said.

LINK: Colorado Renaissance Festival