With the hottest summer on record only about half over, many of us are wondering how this is going to affect our favorite faires and festivals. September & October temperatures are expected to flirt between the low 80s and high 70s, but we all know how unpredictable the weather can be! However, with a little knowledge and planning, you can help yourself and your family have a fun, safe time at the Ohio Renaissance Festival!
Pre-Hydrate
We all know how important it is to remain hydrated in the heat. But did you know getting hydrated before you go out is just as important? Many people aren’t as diligent about our water intake as we should be, (myself included), and if you show up already dehydrated, it’s just going to make the temperature more difficult to handle. Drinking a bottle of water after you wake up and one before opening gate will go a long way towards helping your body get the hydration it needs.
Need water now? The Emergency tent always has free ice water waiting!
Electrolytes
Water is a good start, but it’s not always enough to combat extreme heat and humidity. Electrolytes are what your cells use to conduct electrical charges which causes your muscles to contract and helps with chemical reactions like hydration and balancing your fluids. There are plenty of travel-sized powder packs you can bring with you to add to a water bottle. But if you can find the pickle guy on grounds, he may just sell you a cup of pickle juice chock-full of everything you need!
Dress For the Day
Beautiful swirling skirts, heavy-duty corsets, thick leather armor…it all weighs a lot! That layered, albeit magnificent garb makes your body sweat out more than it can afford to lose. It increases your internal temperature and makes heat exhaustion more likely. Search for light-colored clothing made from fabric like cotton, linens, or jersey to help make sure you don’t spend half your festival day in the emergency tent!
Cooling Your Pulse Points
Those of us who have been in the faire community are no stranger to the bodice chiller. This fun little device can do a lot to help maintain a more relaxed body temperature in hot weather. But did you know there are other pulse points you can use? Pulse points are areas of the body where your blood vessels are close to the surface of the skin. Your wrists, neck, temples, and armpits are all easily accessible spots to place ice cubes or a cold, wet cloth to help bring down your body temp.
Made in the Shade
Staying out of direct sunlight will do more than just prevent a nasty sunburn. Being in direct sunlight makes the air feel 10 – 15 degrees warmer than it actually is. So effective shading can be very useful in keeping you and your family cool this year. The Ohio Renaissance Festival has made it even easier with the new area opening in 2023! This area offers relief from the exposed lanes as you walk among the trees, take in the shows, enjoy the all-new Kids Area, sample from multiple different food trucks, and try out the new covered pub!
Emergency Services
Even when you take every precaution available, accidents can still happen. Luckily there are emergency services on-site to help keep our guests safe. The main Emergency tent is on the right as soon as you come in through the gates. If you are in need of help, our staff is present all throughout the festival grounds and can radio for service. If you do not see any staff readily visible, you can go to any festival-owned booth on grounds and they will be able to assist you and your family.
See a golf cart coming? Get Out Of The Way! Let our emergency/security services through so they can help!