Alabama Renaissance Faire Draws: In Florence, the Alabama Renaissance Faire, masterminded by Billy Ray Warren, saw a bustling weekend that jokingly prompted him to ask vendors if there was room for just three more in the packed Wilson Park, transformed into Fountain-on-the-Green for the event.
Warren, reflecting on the remarkable turnout, quipped, “I went to several vendors and asked, ‘Do we have room for three more people in the park at this time?'” He added, “It was wall-to-wall people. We can safely say this was the best attendance ever. Since we don’t have tickets we just have to make an observation, but it certainly felt like the biggest crowd ever.”
The Alabama Renaissance Faire, a non-profit, educational, all-volunteer gathering, delves into the Medieval and Renaissance period. Attendees, many adorned in costumes, navigate scenes featuring sword fighters, musicians, Renaissance and belly dancers, jugglers, and magicians.
Despite temperatures soaring into the mid-80s both days of the 37th annual faire, the lively atmosphere persisted, with no rain to dampen the spirits. Warren shared the roundtable’s mantra, “We can deal with heat, we can do with cold, we can do with a little wind, but we have trouble dealing with wet.”
As tradition dictates, Sunday marked the coronation of a new monarch. Sanjay Kumar, a native of India residing in Huntsville, assumed the royal role for the year. Each year, a curse leads to the reigning monarch stepping down on the last day, making way for a new ruler.
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The selection of the new monarch occurs during the Renaissance Feast, held the weekend before the festival. The coin-hidden dessert tradition determines the next ruler, and this year, Kumar discovered the coin in his dessert.
“He had never been to the feast before,” Warren revealed. “He had himself a grand time and was just amazed at all of the decorations and food and everything.”
With the feast limited to 200 seats, anyone queuing up for dessert has an equal chance of discovering the coin, ensuring a random selection. Warren expressed Kumar’s joy at finding the coin and his enthusiastic participation in the coronation festivities.
“He enjoyed himself thoroughly,” Warren said. “After the coronation he even participated in the maypole with the kids. It was really wonderful. We’re going to really enjoy him.”
Our Reader’s Queries
Which state has the best Renaissance fair?
Carolina Renaissance Festival, Texas Renaissance Festival, Maryland Renaissance Festival, New York Renaissance Faire, Scarborough Renaissance Festival, Bristol Renaissance Faire, Northern California Renaissance Faire, and Ohio Renaissance Festival are among the top Renaissance festivals in the US.
Does Alabama have a Renaissance Festival?
The Alabama Renaissance has been recognized as one of the top 20 events in the Southeast for October. It’s a major event that turns Wilson Park into Fountain-on-the-Green for a whole weekend.
Can you bring daggers to Ren Faire?
Guests must wear shoes at all times for safety and insurance reasons. Can I bring my costume weapon? Yes, all weapons must be sheathed and peace tied.
Why is it called Renaissance Faire?
Experience a Renaissance or Medieval fair, an outdoor event devoted to bringing a bygone era back to life. Typically centered around the English Renaissance, the fair invites guests to immerse themselves in historical settings for entertainment.