Medieval merriment
Renaissance
Faire to become
a reality in Henry County
By
Helen E. McKinney
Contributing Writer
EMINENCE, Ky. (June 2006) – Eleven-year-old
Lauren Moore does the things that most youths her age do everyday – except
for six weeks this summer when she will be eating, sleeping and breathing
like a Renaissance royal.
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Renaissance
Faire
• June 3-July
9 (weekends only) 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Adults $12; Children (ages 5-13) $6 • Directions: Take I-64 to Exit 35. Go north on Hwy. 53, right onto Hwy. 22 (Elm Street). Faire is on the right, across from Southern States. • Information: (502) 845-0806 or www.kyrenfaire.com |
Moore is one of many participants in the Highlands Renaissance
Festival. She will use her skill and wit to re-enact life in the 14th
century through songs, games and interaction with attendees.
The days are being counted down to the opening of what has been billed
as “Kentucky’s First Renaissance Festival.” Set amidst
a natural landscape in Henry County, Ky., an entire Renaissance living
history village will soon come to life.
The Highlands Renaissance Festival carries the atmosphere of a medieval
faire. This is a timeline event, spanning the 14th-18th centuries (1300-1799).
Although the main theme is that of the Renaissance era, it was widened
to a timeline event to accommodate the many re-enactors in the faire
area.
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Photo
provided From left in front, Dorothy Gezotis, Emily Burkot, Rebekah Lay, Dieter Zimmerman and Davie Henderson. Back row from left, Bob Watters, Paulina Sears and Karl Licht. |
General manager Ed Frederick said that he expects to be
“90 percent complete on the opening weekend.” Several permanent
structures will remain on the site, such as a dining pavilion, stages
and a jousting field.
The faire will operate on weekends only from June 3 to July 9. Hours
are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is located on 117 acres on Hwy. 22 on the outskirts
of Eminence. Frederick said this land has been leased for the next 20
years.
So far, 78 vendors have contracted to attend the faire. All vendors
must be juried, said Frederick. Organizers want all merchandise as historically
accurate as possible, in an effort to convey what life was really like
in the Renaissance period.
Visitors will see pirates, fairies, Vikings, Celts, jousting, juggling,
mud shows, musicians, crafts and a whole lot more. Entertainment will
include Phoenic Falconry (birds of prey show), Men of Thunda (tribal
pipes and drums), Kathleen Finnegan (Celtic harp), and the Pickled Brothers
Sideshow (comedy routine).
“It’s the biggest thing you’ll see,” said Frederick.
For each day the faire is open, 10 separate shows are scheduled throughout
the day at multiple times. “It is the most unique family experience
I’ve ever been to.”
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Photo
provided Lauren Moore, 11, of Crestwood, Ky., enjoys playing a part in the Renaissance Faire. |
A job fair was held earlier this year, at which time 30
local individuals were hired. Some positions are part-time, such as
construction, maintenance and groundskeepers. Frederick is adamant about
maintaining a park-like setting.
“We’ve used a lot of local contractors and suppliers,”
he said. The community has “really come to our aid. The county
and city governments have been behind us.”
Eminence Mayor Doug Bates said he hopes the faire will “increase
our tourism and help local businesses in the community.” He also
hopes this attraction will entice tourists to visit other parts of the
county.
Paulina Sears is the Apprentice Casting Director for the actors participating
in the Renaissance Faire. Having been involved in such events for more
than 10 years, Sears said, “I love the atmosphere. People who come
always have a lot of fun.”
Sears is working with a group of 15 actors, which includes Moore. She
is instructing them in comedy, improvisations and character development.
She will be in character as a visiting noble woman from a nearby town.
Sears thinks Henry Countians will embrace the Renaissance Faire. “When
patrons get there, they will absolutely love it,” she said.