Hear Ye, Hear Ye
enaissance Faire coming to Farnhamville
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FARNHAMVILLE -- For one afternoon next weekend, visitors to Farnhamville City Park may find themselves surrounded by knights, magicians, fantasy characters, with even a few historically accurate glimpses into centuries past.
Farnhamville will host its first Renaissance Faire from 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 19, bringing together area libraries, volunteers, performers and vendors for a free afternoon of medieval- and fantasy-themed entertainment.
The idea, according to Brooke Beschorner, who is helping promote the event, grew from a much smaller event hosted last fall by the Farnhamville Public Library.
"The idea started after the Farnhamville Public Library hosted a Royal Quest last Halloween," Beschorner said. "The event went over really well, and they wanted to grow off of it."
That success led organizers to think bigger, and eventually bring other area libraries into the adventure.
Lacey Spece of the Gowrie Public Library, Rebecca Slawson of the Farnhamville Public Library and Kara Stulke of JJ Hands Public Library in Lohrville, have been at the center of the planning, brainstorming the entertainment, activities and details that will bring the faire to life.
"They wanted to bring the world of fantasy to our small communities," said Beschorner. "To give both adults and kids the opportunity to take just a short drive and experience a Renaissance Faire."
Organizers wanted to make sure the cost also wouldn't keep anyone from experiencing it.
Admission is free, as are the activities and entertainment throughout the afternoon. Costumes are encouraged and welcomed, but not required.
The organizers have even arranged for free food, including what Beschorner jokingly calls a smaller version of the classic Renaissance Faire turkey leg -- chicken legs -- along with hot dogs, chips and drinks.
"They really stressed that they wanted this opportunity to come to families free of cost," Beschorner said.
Visitors can expect Farnhamville City Park itself to look a little different that afternoon.
Volunteers will dress and play the parts of medieval, Renaissance and fantasy-inspired characters, while the park is decorated to create what organizers hope feels like stepping into another world.
Among the entertainment will be historically accurate demonstrations from the Society for Creative Anachronism, along with a magic show presented by Larry Dunbar.
Activities will range from axe throwing and treasure hunts to craft stations, elf ear decorating, medieval art demonstrations, science demonstrations and a full-armored battle reenactment.
There will also be scavenger hunts, lily pad races, pirate tattoos, fairy circle storytime, juggling and other activities throughout the afternoon.
Numerous vendors will be on hand as well, some providing demonstrations while others sell handmade and specialty items, including baked goods, fantasy-themed products, bookish merchandise and handcrafted creations.
"People will be able to find unique items that they won't find anywhere else all in one place," said Beschorner.
Behind the scenes, a number of community members have helped make the first-time event possible, including Shirley Luth, Regina Chelleen, Chris and Brandy Adams, Brian Slawson and Alyce McAllister, who have assisted with planning and creating decorations.
Beschorner said organizers have poured significant time and creativity into building an experience that families from Farnhamville and surrounding communities can enjoy together.
"The group has gone above and beyond to make the park into a magical world of enchantment for one afternoon," she said.
The Renaissance Faire is a come-and-go event and will run from 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at Farnhamville City Park. Admission, activities, entertainment and food are free.
If you go:
What: Renaissance Faire
When: 2-6 p.m. Sept. 19
Where: Farnhamville City Park