A warm weekend proved just the thing to get an estimated 1,000 visitors to attend the fifth Gloucester Renaissance Fair last weekend at and near the colonial court circle.

Hilton Snowdon, tourism coordinator for the Gloucester Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, said Monday that he was very excited to see so many people enjoying the festival on both days. "I heard a lot of favorable comments," he said.

"It was just beautiful," said Lisa Tomlinson of Richmond, who attended with several family members.

A number of reenactors brought the Renaissance period to life. Richard Knowles of Gloucester, dressed as a medieval soldier, said that many people came up to him asking about his equipment.

Visitors could participate in medieval games, dress up like a knight, and enjoy all types of food. Several vendors said they had a lot of people stopping by their booths and tents, with Dana Caudle of Virginia Beach, selling faux stained-glass pieces, while in the ...