Spectacularly Brings the Past Alive for Fun and Frolic for 4 Weekends May 14-June 5
Travel back in time this May and June, as clashing swords and thundering hooves resound through Wentzville’s Rotary Park when the 13th annual St. Louis Renaissance Faire transforms the shaded woodlands into an entire 16th-century French town.
“We’re planning another great Faire this year with local and national performers, jousters, merchants and period craftspeople,” said Bob Stanza, president of Renaissance St. Louis, the non-profit organization that presents the Faire on four weekends every spring. “Our volunteer cast have banded together with professional entertainers and merchants to create a fantastic festival for all ages.”
As visitors stroll the streets of “Petit Lyon,” they meet King Fran_ois and his royal court, merchants, soldiers, peasants, villagers, and gypsies. They’re entertained by knights jousting on horseback, comedians, strolling minstrels, storytellers, sword-swallowers, belly dancers, shopping, food, children’s activities, craft and weaponry demonstrations, and much more.
Shows are continuous on stages throughout the park. The roads are lined with permanent buildings that house merchants who sell handcrafted treasures and unique items such as jewelry, ironwork, leather goods, pottery, soaps, perfumes, honey, costumes, swords and shields, and toys. Skilled artisans demonstrate Renaissance crafts. Purveyors of food and drink offer turkey legs, sandwiches, spiced nuts, homemade ice cream, pies, and other festive comestibles. There are hands-on activities for both children and adults.
The Faire takes place May 14-15, May 21-22, May 28-30, and June 4-5. Tickets are $14.95 for the general public; $7.95 for children 13-6, and free for children under age 5. Military, police, firefighters and seniors (65+) receive $2 off the adult price at the gate. Season passes are also available. Tickets may be purchased at the gate or in advance at renstl.org. Call 636-928-4141 or check renstl.org for more information.
Most Renaissance Faires in the U.S. are set in England. But inspired by St. Louis’ French heritage, the St. Louis Renaissance Faire takes place in France.
“We have a tremendous volunteer cast who really make the festival come alive, portraying characters from all walks of Renaissance life,” said Stanza. “There are ladies and gentlemen of the court, tradespeople struggling to earn a living, soldiers strutting through the streets, farmers who’ve come to town eager for a glimpse of the visiting King. And you may even spot a fairy in the enchanted forest.”
Renaissance St. Louis also presents the St. Louis Pirate Festival at Rotary Park in September.
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