Unicorns, magic, jousting matches, giant turkey legs, pirates, jugglers, human chess and a famous wizard’s clumsy brother will all be in the same place this weekend when the Village Renaissance Faire comes to the Middletown Grange Fairgrounds in Wrightstown on Sept. 17 and 18.
The faire, now in its 17th year, has more to offer than ever. In addition to favorites like firebreathers, aerialists, birds of prey, living literature and more, organizers expanded offerings to more than 30 acts, 40 merchants, 12 games of skill, 11 stages for live entertainment and a couple of new concepts.
“I would say that this year, we’ve added to our magic and fantasy realms a lot,” said Ken Hone, founder and director of the faire.
That includes two white “unicorns” walking along the grounds with photographers to take photos for fairgoers.
Also, there will be Mylin, brother of the legendary wizard Merlin. Mylin flunked out of wizard school and sometimes confuses science and magic, which makes for an interactive kids comedy show with some humor that goes above their heads for older patrons.
There’s a new attraction called armchair wizards, an improvisational game show where the audience controls where the questions, dialogues and tasks go.
Bensalem resident Bob Borton and the Steele Cavaliers will do hour-long demonstrations with fencing, daggers and swords as well as fencing lessons with foam swords.
“It’s about enhancement and improvement of the individual, which is what the Renaissance was in medieval times,” Hone said.
To that end, the faire includes exhibits about history, literature, music, theater and dancing.
The same idea goes into the purpose of the faire. All of the proceeds from the admission fees are donated to the Wrightstown Library.
“I want people to come there and be bold and willing to try and explore new things,” Hone added. “The library is a long-running vehicle that allows you to do that.”
The cost is extremely low relative to larger, more commercial faires. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for all students and free for children under the age of 5.
There is no alcohol at this event, but attendees can indulge in traditional Renaissance Faire foods like roasted turkey legs as well as contemporary treats like fried oreos, smoothies, coffee, chips and others.
“I want people to be in appreciation and awe of what a community can do as volunteers,” Hone said. “I want them to come there and be bold and willing to try and explore new things.”
The Village Renaissance Faire will take place at the Middletown Grange Fairgrounds, 576 Penns Park Road in Wrightstown, on Sept. 17 and 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. For information, visit villagefaire.org.
