Despite the cold and foggy weather, many came out to enjoy the Idyllwild Renaissance Faire at Camp Emerson over the weekend. Sword battles, ax throwing, yarn spinning, storytelling and musical performances were just a few of the events happening to keep visitors entertained. Many booths were also set up selling food, beverages and unique, handmade items for purchase. Photos by Jenny Kirchner
By Jenny Kirchner
Reporter/Photographer
The Idyllwild Renaissance Faire went into its second year over the weekend, moving the venue from the center of town to Camp Emerson Boy Scout Camp. Despite the fog and colder weather, many vendors, volunteers, patrons and a few four-legged animals came out to travel back to a time just as the peasants and nobility would have done during the renaissance era.
Set during the reign of Elisabeth of Valois, Queen Consort of Philip II of Spain, (the mid-16th century), the faire is a re-creation of a Spanish Fall Faire, according to the Idyllwild Renaissance Faire website.
It was an event for all ages. The coordinators recreated a village where strolling entertainers set the tone through renaissance music, and family-friendly stage performances of comedy and storytelling. Also available were handcrafted items for purchase at the many vendor booths, food and beverages, and a children’s area designed to capture the imagination.
“I had a lot of trepidation from a lot of people that maybe the faire wasn’t going to happen,” Idyllwild Renaissance Faire coordinator Roy Regalado said at the end of the weekend. “I started bringing vendors and guilds to the location about two months ago to check it out. Their response was nothing but amazement at the location. All that trepidation is now gone. So many people that actually came out are now fighting to come back and be a part of it next year. This has exceeded my expectations … It’s a perfect venue, and we are already booked for next year. The faire will take place the last weekend of September 2020, and for the ‘foreseeable future’ according to the camp staff.”
Mark your calendars and be sure to attend the third-annual Idyllwild Renaissance Faire Sept. 25-27, 2020, for an experience you will never forget.
