Renaissance Festival finds support in Fayetteville
Posted on Sunday, October 29, 2006
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/News/46569/
As a child, Don Upton dreamed of wearing a suit of armor, slaying dragons and rescuing damsels in distress. Years later, he’s still a kid at heart.
On Saturday, Upton’s childhood dream was brought to life during a first-ever Renaissance Festival in Fayetteville, which took place at the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center.
Area residents who attended the event got the chance to witness daring acts of courage and whimsical performances. They also had the opportunity to take part in medieval games and listen to musicians playing authentic reproductions of Renaissance-era instruments.
“ I was trying to do a little gathering for an expedition with a jousting group and mix in the [Society of Creative Anachronisms ] — they pride themselves in their knowledge of medieval times, ” he said. “ I picked this weekend because the SCA was already doing an event out here anyway. ”
During the opening day of the festival, Upton learned that he wasn’t the only person with a fascination for medieval times.
“ I honestly believe that I used to live back then, ” said Donna Fennel, who attended Saturday’s festival with her husband, Steve. “ I’ve done several Shake- spearean plays and a I have a pretty extensive background in theater. I came here today because I wanted to take a step back in time, just like everyone else. ”
Upton said he plans to make the event an annual gathering.
“ The mayor came out here earlier and he said that he wants me to have this festival in the Square next year, since they aren’t doing Autumn Fest anymore. ” he said. “ I plan on this event becoming pretty big up here. ”
Upton said Saturday’s festival attracted a variety of people.
“ You see people dressed up in costumes in one area and then you see a man wearing blue jeans and a truckers hat in another area” he said. “ You can just look around and see the variety of people who are interested in this. ” Jo Tuvover attended the festival with her two daughters, Katrynne Baldridge, 6, and Corlaantill Baldridge, 3. All three were dressed in authentic medieval attire. “ I did the Renaissance Fair Circuit in North Carolina before I moved here, ” she said. “ When Don told me about this, I came out to help and have a good time. ”
Highlights included jousting by Mounted Fury, an all-female group of riders who train at the Cedar Springs Equestrian Center in Farmington; a magic show by University of Arkansas Professor Dave Wall; and a pirate comedy by The Ladies of the Salty Kiss, an improvisational troupe from northeastern Oklahoma who have been favorites on the Midwest Renaissance fair circuit for four years.
The festival also drew in about 24 vendors who sold medieval jewelry, swords, armor and costumes. Booths also offered henna tattooing, tarot and rune reading, hair braiding, family crests and histories; as well as refreshments.
“ We had a lot of interest from the vendors, ” Upton said. “ They only had to pay $ 50 for an outside spot and $ 100 for a spot inside. ”
Demonstrations and performances were also featured throughout the day inside the arena and on two outdoor stages. Local Troupe Belli Trybe performed belly dancing, while Ozark Highlands gave a pipe and drum demonstration. Cullen’s Hound played Irish music.
Additional entertainment included game booths, a clown, juggling, pony rides and stories for children. There was an even a Mid-Evil Castle of Screams for those looking forward to Halloween.
“ I think we’ve had a pretty good turnout... especially since its our first year for this, ” Upton said. ”