By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times
October will see Carter County play host to its first renaissance fair. The event will take place at the Shrine Park in Olive Hill, Kentucky, and will feature all things medieval – historic and fantastic. The Vandalia Renaissance & Fantasy Faire will feature a medieval village, performers, and historic trade demonstrations along with everything faire patrons have come to expect. This includes armored combat and jousts, an artisan market, and of course food.
“Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to be added to our contact list of volunteers,” Faire organizer Joe Suttles posted on his Facebook page while calling out to everyone in the region who enjoys all things medieval. Suttles said he can also be emailed at vandaliarenfaire@gmail.com.
“There are a lot of things you can learn on our website,” Suttles said. “And we are still taking applications for vendors and traditional trade skill demonstrators.”
Among the skilled volunteers Suttles said they need are a candle dipper and wool spinner, and potentially a butter churner. Vandalia is also still taking sponsors for the October event, and tickets are currently on sale. They’ll also be at other local events to answer questions about, and spread awareness of, the Kingdom of Vandalia.
“We will be set up at the Carter County Fair from Tuesday, August 11 through Saturday August 15,” Suttles said. “We will be there in costume from 5 to 10 pm, and there will be photo op props like a pillory stocks, thrones, and paper crowns.”
Another thing Suttles said that he is excited about for the Renaissance Faire is the fact that Dallas Black of Morehead will be the Theatre Director for the Faire, and is partnering with Debbie Harmon of Olive Hill to bring “Commedia Dell’ Arte” traditional Italian Renaissance improv theater to the weekend. Along with this, there will be some interactive characters who will also be roaming the faire.
“A recent addition I am particularly excited about, is Dr. Roma Prindle who just retired as the lead Professor of Voice at MSU,” Suttles said. “She has scouted us a young, beautiful, and most of all highly talented soprano, Alura Schaum who will be thrilling us all with a few dramatic opera performances.”
“The faire opens that Friday (October 9) at 9 am,” Suttles said. “And we will be expecting waves of children on school field trips. The entire faire is all age friendly, but particularly the first five hours. Gates will close at 6pm for the general public, after dark entertainment begins at 7pm both Friday and Saturday. Both nights entertainment involve fire and glow in the dark arts and attractions. After dark is VIP ticket holders only.”
“On Sunday (October 11) the gates are open from 10 am until 8 pm, and the last three hours (5-8pm) will be the Vandalia Royal Homecoming Ball,” Suttles added. “Tickets for the Royal Homecoming Ball are separate at that time, or free with a regular day or weekend pass.”
“We will be encouraging attendees to wear Medieval or Renaissance or Fantasy outfits,” he said. “But we also encourage the ladies to wear their Prom/Homecoming gowns for an unforgettable night bringing all of Carter County together to dance and make merry, in celebrating our history and togetherness.”
Suttles encourages everyone to check out all the information available at VandaliaRenFaire.com. The website and the Facebook page are regularly updated with what will be available at the Faire, and also lists what types of volunteers are needed. Suttles said everyone wishing to volunteer is welcome, as are those wanting to set up shop as vendors.
Blacksmithing, weaving, leatherworking, and candle making are always popular, Suttles said. Other vendors and makers needed are those who are involved in block printing, broom making, falconry, spinning, and glass blowing. Flute making and calligraphy are always a welcome addition as well, he said, and anything with a medieval or historic flavor.
Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com
