Tyler Bearden / IT Operations
With spring arriving soon and the weather getting warmer, Reed’s annual three-day Renn Fayre and other local Renaissance fairs are just around the corner. The Mossy Log is here to give you tips and tricks on how to navigate and plan for the time-bending world of Renaissance fairs.
Renaissance fairs are not reenactment events
Although Renaissance Fairs are known for their corseted tavern maidens and knights in shining armor, they are not time-accurate reenactment events. The point of Renaissance fairs is to have fun, not look like a history book. Do not be surprised if you see some Stark Trek commanders or Doctor Who characters defying the timeline. You may even see a few guys in T-shirts and jeans looking confused next to their girlfriends dressed as Disney princesses.
Tyler Bearden, a technical support specialist in Information Technology operations for Lewis & Clark has been working as a vendor selling handcrafted wooden mugs and other wooden products at Renaissance fairs for seven years.
“We love seeing the costumes walking around. We love people who are creative, whether that’s period appropriate attire or you’re dressing up as your favorite superhero or Doctor Who or storm trooper or whatever. It’s all about getting into the spirit and understanding that it’s a safe place to go and play,” Bearden said.
Gaining popularity in the ’60s, Renaissance fairs present an imagined version of an Elizabethan English village. Though some display historical accuracy, American Renaissance fairs have deviated from historical tradition and now make up a world of their own — with the goal to transport its patrons to a fictional world.
How to style for times of yore
Although some fair-goers have elaborate costumes ready for their moment to shine, you do not need to spend a lot of money in order to join in on the dress-up fun. Items you have in your closet already can make a great outfit from peasant to princess. Look for long skirts, button up shirts, shawls or decorative scarfs and items you can layer. Get creative by hanging scarves from your belt, draping a flowing skirt as a shirt or dress and putting jewelry such as earrings or pendants in your hair. You can even craft some of your own accessories, like taking this wonderful copy of The Mossy Log (after you finish the crossword, of course) and turning it into a paper crown or hennin, a medieval conical hat. Find pretty plants from around campus and braid them into your hair or hang a bouquet from your waist. Creativity and artistic expression is part of the Renaissance fair experience, so do not be afraid to DIY it. If you are not the crafty type, the many vendors at Renaissance fairs showcase creative accessories, offering the opportunity to create an outfit once you’re there.
“All of the vendors, we sell everything from wooden mugs to jewelry and handcrafted costume stuff. So even if you want to come in just regular clothes and buy a costume, that’s available,” Bearden said.
Find what activities suit you
Renaissance fairs have a surprising range of activities and a variety of niches.
If you are an English major and/or your friends might say you are a bit elitist, keep your eyes out for any Shakespearean events or performances with plenty of references to Oberon and Titania. Then, you can show off your understanding of the nuance and complexities of 16th-century literature.
For any athletes, you will have a chance to explore some more unique sports such as jousting and archery, and you might even win something.
If you are someone who shows up to your 8 a.m. class in a Pinterest-worthy outfit and makes your fellow students feel just a little bit bad about wearing sweatpants that day, Renaissance fairs are a great place to find more unique clothing and accessories.
To any musical theatre major who is constantly promoting their next one-person play to their begrudging friends, Renaissance fairs are one of the only places where employees would be thrilled to act out a dramatic betrayal scene or burst into a duet with you.
If you are into MTG, DnD, LARP or any other acronyms, Renaissance fairs are an epicenter of cultural exchange for the classic nerd.
For any stoners, the Renaissance fair is known for its turkey legs and meat pies to satisfy your munchies, as well as an abundance of mead and beer to alleviate your cottonmouth.
If you have a friend denying they will find anything fun at the Renaissance fair because it “just isn’t their thing,” now you can prove them wrong.
Renaissance fairs near you
Locally, there is the Oregon Renaissance Fair, about a half hour drive south of Portland at the Clackamas County fairgrounds in Canby. The Oregon Renaissance Fair runs for four weekends starting in June. There are not great public transportation options to the fairgrounds, but there is plenty of parking for the carpooler. The Canterbury Renaissance Fair in Silverton runs select days June 19-27. The Washington Midsummer Renaissance Fair in Snohomish runs June 19-Aug. 17, and features the internet famous Jaque the Whipper. Be sure to check out the websites for any of these fairs for more information, including any featured themed weekends! Reed holds its own celebration known as “Renn Fayre” in the Spring semester. This tradition starts with the Thesis Parade to signify the turning in of theses. The fair includes music, art and fireworks to celebrate the end of the academic year.
Fairing on a budget
The bill at a Renaissance faire can add up quickly, so here are some tricks for the broke college student still looking for a good time. Carpooling is a great option to save on gas and parking fees. The Oregon Renaissance Fair allows attendees to bring in their own food, allowing the budgeting student to pack a PB&J for lunch. Be sure to budget an appropriate amount of money to check out the unique items for sale.
“There’s kind of something for everyone at every price point. That being said, it’s not cheap to go to a Renaissance Fair. Once you get in, all the entertainment is free … You’re paying fair prices, right? But it’s possible to do it on a budget,” Bearden said.
Be sure to check out the experiences built into your ticket with no extra fee, such as the range of shows from family puppetry to jugglers to fire dancers.
“They’re a lot of fun. The shows are very funny. Even the family-friendly ones have some kind of lewd humor built into it so that it’s appealing to everyone,” Bearden said.
Renaissance fairs include actors wandering around the grounds, creating an enchanting experience all around the fair.
For any student looking for a good time this spring and summer, keep Renaissance fairs in mind. This unique experience is hard to beat.
“It’s a long day, but it’s a lot of fun,” Bearden said. You can check out Bearden’s vendor booth this summer at the Oregon Renaissance Fair and Washington Midsummer Fair or check out his wares online at aswoodasitgets.com for unique wooden mugs and more.
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