Fairfield welcomes first Renaissance Faire

FAIRFIELD — In just over a week, Jefferson County Fairgrounds will transform into a land filled with knights and maidens, nobles and peasants, witches, and wizards and everything in between for their first ever Renaissance Faire April 15-16.

“A Renaissance Faire is a great opportunity to bring our community together and escape the confines of reality, the past few years of which have been very challenging for many,” A Faire Organizer writes on their website. “It is the perfect time to experience the gifts and talents of the people that live here in Southeast Iowa and nurture our sense of pride and belonging in our community.”

Guests can attend this event for an admission of $7 for adults and $5 for children between 5-16 years old. Children under 5 may enter the faire for free.

Guests may also bring a canned or non-perishable item for $1 off a ticket. Local food pantries will benefit from these donations.

The Faire invites children young and old to don their best renaissance costumes to fully engage with the event.

“Whether you buy your costume, make it yourself, or piece one together from our artisans, your whimsy, fantastic, and period attire will always be welcome here,”

Through community engagement on Facebook leading up to the Faire, event organizer, Claudia Mast, asked interested individuals if they would dress for the occasion.

While many responded to Mast’s poll that they will simply enjoy other’s costumes, many answered that they intend to make their own or utilize a costume they already own.

The Faire will offer a variety of vendors and talent to keep crowds entertained for the duration of the weekend.

Some renaissance themed vendors include Sly Family Hardwoods, Meyer’s Magical Market, Teeny Treasures, Natasia Embroidery, Buckwild Blades and Lily Leathercraft, and Precious Lamm’s Face Paint and Henna.

“Come eat some good food, experience in real life what it was like to be a knight, a blacksmith, and work various trades,” Mast encourages guests.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com