A Journey to the time of Rebirth
By Haley Grugel
Photos Submitted
“Cometh one, cometh all… Come yer yonder my bonnie lass and chivalrous lad… YES THEE!”
The 7th annual Idaho Renaissance Faire is to be held Saturday, October 13th and Sunday October 14th at 301 W 2nd Street in Kuna, Idaho. The festivities run from 9 am to 6 pm and includes fun for all ages.
The Renaissance refers to the period of European history between the 14th and 17th century. This year’s Faire will be an Italian theme with focus on the 1490s. The word ‘renaissance’ comes from a French word meaning “rebirth” and, for many, that is exactly what the time period is known for. It is characterized as a rediscovery of art, culture, philosophy, and great thinkers among many other things following the Middle Ages. This year’s Faire hopes to bring back the enchantment of the Renaissance Age.
Idaho’s Renaissance Faire started in 2011 and was originally held in Emmett, Idaho. I spoke with the Faire’s current vice president of the board, Kathlean Danes, about how she got involved in Renaissance Faires and what to expect this year. Kathlean started as a vendor in 2013. She enjoyed the activities so much that she volunteered the following year. In 2016, she joined the board and was soon elected vice president, currently acting as president. When asked what she enjoyed about Renaissance Faires she said, “I enjoy reading about history, the clothes are fun to wear, all ages can enjoy it and I love watching the fights.”
The event will have a variety of activities, merchants, food, and music. Faire-goers can expect a classic Renaissance Faire menu including giant turkey legs put together by Dickies BBQ. And since the Faire has chosen to go with an Italian theme this year, Papa John’s will be serving up pizza. Alongside Kuna Coffee House for all your caffeine needs and Cool Intentions will be serving up some frozen treats. For anyone 21 and up, The 102 Bar out of Nampa will be on site with ice cold beer to wash down your turkey legs.
Along with hearty food, the vendors will also include a wide variety of shops. Don’t worry if you’re not prepared with the full Renaissance attire, you will have plenty of options to choose from. The vendors boast a variety of local and regional talent. From leatherwork to handcrafted jewelry, the Faire vendors will have a wide variety of gifts and souvenirs. Kathlean is most excited for the kids and fairy encampment. She, herself, is a mother and knows the importance of having a safe and fun event for children of all ages. The kids’ area will include free games, hands on activities, storytellers, and even jugglers. Another exciting addition this year will be the Armored Combat League, a worldwide non-choreographed sword fighting group. The league includes some individuals that have been internationally ranked for their sword fighting skills.
Kathlean wanted all first time Faire goers to remember to, “have fun, feel free to dress up, you won’t feel out of place and remember to support your local vendors.” The 2018 Renaissance Faire is set to be an event for the ages.
For more information visit www.idahorenfaire.org.
