At the personal request of Queen Margaret and King Henry, the Jordan Independent attended an exclusive preview of the 2008 Renaissance Festival in Louisville Township, between Shakopee and Jordan.

The free event included: free beverages, turkey legs, shepherd's pie, corn on the cob, and other food; henna tatoos; face painting; palm and Tarot card readings; a king of the log game; and numerous interactions with the king, queen, belly dancers (who happen to double as the caretakers of snakes), jesters, musicians, fairies, and other actors in medieval garb.

The Renaissance Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 16 to Sept. 28 (rain or shine, open on weekends and Labor Day). It is located east of Highway 169, north of Jordan. Regular prices range from $10.95 to $19.95, and parking is free. For more information, go to www.renaissancefest.com or call 952-445-7361.

Here are a bunch of videos from the preview event: