Eldon to host Gothic Area Renaissance Faire Oct. 25-26

ELDON – Prepare to step back in time to the late Middle Ages at the Gothic Area Renaissance Faire in Eldon Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25-26.

The event, which will be at the Wapello County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, promises “valiant knights” clashing in a tournament “whilst minstrels fill the air with lively tunes.”

“From feats of strength to delicate artistry, there is sport and pleasure for all, be they highborn or humble,” read the organizers’ website.

Jeanna Thunderhawk is one of the main organizers of the event, which will be the first time Eldon has ever hosted a Renaissance Faire. Thunderhawk explained that the people who had put on the Renaissance Faire in Fairfield the last few years could not continue the event there. Before Fairfield made arrangements for a different group, Thunderhawk and others agreed to carry on the tradition of a Renaissance Faire in Southeast Iowa, but wanted to move it to Eldon.

Thunderhawk said attendees can look forward to full jousting, archery, knife throwing, jesters, a royal court, village storytellers, and “knightings” for little children. So far, 30 vendors have registered to sell, along with four food vendors. One of the featured acts will be the “World’s Largest Unicorn,” an enormous white Percheron horse, that attendees can ride.

Admission is $20 per adult, and children 12 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Adults can also purchase a $30 pass for the full weekend. Thunderhawk said the event will go well enough they can make this an annual tradition in Eldon.

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Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com