SHAKOPEE, Minn. — Fire destroyed six booths at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival grounds outside Shakopee. Lightning was blamed. A passerby reported. brush burning about 4:45 p.m. More than 80 firefighters with 36 fire vehicles responded and saved about 20 other connected structures. Among losses: The Foaming Stein Pub. It took three hours quell to the last embers. The festival grounds are mostly dormant except for August and September when typically 25,000 visitors a day relive Shakespearean times with costumed vendors and performers. Jousting is a favorite. So too are readings: Beowulf anyone? Then too are the well-fermented beverages. Most years there are 700 entertainers, 275 crafters, and 120 food booths.
Firefighters race into flaming Renaissance fantasy park in Shakopee, a suburb southwest of Minneapolis. Six structures were lost.