Step through the gates at Young Park on November 5 and 6 and find yourself transported back in time 500 years and shifted in place from Las Cruces to merry old England. Queen Sherrie is on the throne and her court is there, too, in all their grandeur. You find yourself surrounded by peasants and nobles of the kingdom enjoying a pleasant day at the faire, perusing arts and crafts, being astonished by magicians and jousters, gnawing on turkey legs, and cheering on knights in armor as they joust with lances from atop their mighty horses. You’re now part of an experience that lets you become as immersed in days gone by as you wish: the 45th Annual Renaissance ArtsFaire, hosted by the Doña Ana Arts Council.
The 45th faire offers something for everyone, with fine art and handcrafted items from around the Southwest, delicious food (offered by and supporting area non-profit organizations), entertainment on several stages, a beer and wine garden, the new and improved Magellan the Dragon, who will yet again be in his rightful place on the lake, and more time to explore it all, with new hours from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday.
This family-friendly event welcomes those who wish to dress in period attire and adopt a British accent for the weekend as well as visitors who would rather stay true to 2016 while observing life as it was five centuries ago during the Renaissance period. There’s plenty for the wee ones to do with a special Children’s Realm featuring entertainment and special activities including a Scavenger Hunt with prizes. Everyone will want to explore the two Royal Realms to visit with the knights and ladies and watch period dances and other entertainment.
The Order of Epona’s jousters on horseback will return for two shows daily at 10:15 am and 2:15 pm, giving faire visitors an opportunity to experience the entertainment of Renaissance royalty. Jousters will charge each other while mounted on sturdy steeds, seeking to knock each other from their horses. Visitors can rowdily cheer on the knight of their choice and perhaps bestow the winner with a favor.
The Greyhounds of Fairhaven will again be at the faire, spotlighting rescued racing greyhounds that are now enjoying a life of leisure and showing their regal side. Stroll down the path and you will find Robert the Ratcatcher at the top of the hill with his “Ratapult” where he flings pesky vermin (actually, they’re beanbags shaped like rats) with his hand-crafted catapult.
There will be dozens of artists offering arts and crafts of all kinds, including a wide range of contemporary art. Step back in time again by exploring the Artistas del Camino Real, who will be demonstrating Spanish and Native art forms that were developed 500 years ago in what became New Mexico, making this a New Mexico True event.
Support young artisans aged 16 and under, who have the opportunity to peddle their wares at no charge. Young artists may contact the Doña Ana Arts Council to find out how they can participate.
Commemorate the 45th year of this extremely popular local event by purchasing a hand-made ceramic goblet made by local potter Andrew Chapel and decorated with the Renaissance ArtsFaire logo.
Dozens of food booths in two areas will ease the hunger and quench the thirst of faire-goers. Food purchases support local non-profits, including the return of the Unitarian-Universalist Church with their ever-popular Chocoholic Frolic booth. Those who want to relax and sip an adult beverage or two can spend time in the Dragon’s Eye Tavern and sample St. Claire’s wine and local craft beers from area breweries such as High Desert Brewery, Pecan Grill, Spotted Dog Brewery, and Bosque Brewing Company.
Avoid parking at Young Park by taking advantage of The Royal Carriage --- a free park and ride running between the southwest corner of the Mesilla Valley Mall and Young Park every 15 minutes. There is limited accessible parking onsite at the park and parking volunteers will be there maintaining order in their appointed realm.
The 45th Annual Renaissance ArtsFaire is a bargain, with tickets only $8 per person and children 12 and under entering for free. Make the weekend even more special by purchasing a VIP Pass: $60 includes 2-person one day entry, access to the VIP tent with refreshments and up-front views of jousting, photo ops with Jousters, preferred parking for one vehicle, and two vintage Ren Faire T-shirts. For out-of-town guests, a New Mexico True VIP All Weekend Package is available through the Hotel Encanto: $100 includes 2-person, all weekend entry, access to the VIP tent, photo ops with Ren Faire Royalty and Jousters, preferred parking for one vehicle, two vintage Ren Faire T-shirts, and reserved seating at the November 5th event at the Rio Grande Theatre. See www.HotelEncanto.com for details.
With 45 years of experience, the Renaissance ArtsFaire is a proven family favorite. Head to Young Park November 5 and 6 for an immersive experience in days of yore.
More information can be found online at www.daarts.org or by calling (575) 523-6403.