30th annual Alabama Renaissance Faire

From 30th annual Alabama Renaissance Faire Website:

Begun in 1987, the official Alabama Renaissance Faire has developed into a major tourist event in Northwest Alabama. For the past several years it has been named one of the top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourist Society in Atlanta, giving it recognition by more than 800 media outlets throughout the region. Smaller than many larger commercial faires, yet what it lacks in size, it more than makes up in personality. 2011 is also our Silver anniversary, a monumental milestone, for an not-for-profit organization, comprised of all volunteers, who make no money through the event.

Held in Wilson Park (renamed Fountain-on-the-Green for the two days of the Faire), this unusual event draws 30,000 - 40,000 people each year to its site in downtown Florence, Alabama. It is always held on the fourth Saturday and Sunday in October, taking advantage of the balmy weather and the gorgeous fall foliage in the park. It is 100% totally free event, with no admission being charged for entry into the park.

As the Faire has grown, so have the other events which surround it during Renaissance Month as October has been officially designated by the local government. In fact, brochures advertising Florence, Alabama, as the Renaissance City have been published by the Shoals Chamber of Commerce and are circulated throughout the region.

Among the Medieval/Renaissance-related events held during October are musical programs, public lectures, dramatic performances, art exhibits and dance programs. All of these are of the highest quality, and they set the stage perfectly for the Faire.

One of the major events of the month is an authentic Medieval/Renaissance Feast. It is held on the third Saturday evening in October, a week before the Faire, in a very baronial hall and features 100% authentic medieval food from our premiere chef, Jim Matterer, who has been featured on the Food Networkon several occasions. Patrons get 10-12 courses of food and live entertainment over the 2 1/2 to 3 hour event. People who attend the Feast have developed a tradition in bringing their own table settings to decorate with. We dont bring our dinner ware with us when we go to a persons home today, and neither did they but it has become a feast favorite, and so we bend history for a bit of fun. The reigning Monarch even chooses a best decorated table, the winner receiving two free tickets to next years feast. The highlight is that next years King or Queen of the faire is chosen at random at the end of the evening. Anyone who meets the basic qualifications (age, expectations, etc) is free to try their hand. The winner is then crowned in a Sunday afternoon ceremony the following weekend at the Faire. Tickets go on sale October 3rd and are $25. Seating is limited to 200.

A free costume-making workshop is held on the second Saturday in October at the local Kennedy-Douglass Art Center. People of all ages are invited to bring 3 yards of fabric (min 54 inches wide), and the rest (measuring, cutting, sewing) is done by men and women
connected with the Faire. A person literally walks away with a simple costume in hand which he/she can embellish with jewelry, belts, etc. That a large percentage of people attend the Faire in costume is directly attributable to these workshops.

Capitalizing on the fact that the Faire is scheduled during the school year, those in charge of planning have found creative ways to incorporate it into schools. Art contests for young children, sonnet-writing contests for adolescents, chess tournaments for all ages, and a poster-design contest for adults are outgrowths of their commitment to education. Also, several of our volunteers have a vast amount of knowledge on many things Medieval/Renaissance. They regularly do interactive demos, complete with lots of show and tell pieces, such as swords, armor, and other period items. They also do improv theatre, and teach simple period dances. If your school, library, or organization would like this fun filled educational venture, the faire generally only asks for travel expenses to and from the event, unless some of our volunteers have to take off from work, then other compensation may be required.

October is the time to not only visit the Faire, but Florence in general. Come experience some down home Southern hospitality where its the Renaissance all month long!