We have a unique perspective when it comes to history. Many of us were taught a somewhat simplistic view of world events, most likely centered on the most significant figures and wars of the time. But what we often lack is a more human sense of who people were and what their day-to-day lives were like. We don’t really think about Thomas the pig keeper got up to from dusk till dawn. We consider his role irrelevant to the greater annuls of history and easily dismiss him from the conversation entirely.
Well, what if you held a festival just to celebrate Thomas?
That may be a bit of a stretch, but it’s not untrue! At the Ohio Renaissance Festival, our goal is to help our guests feel like they are a part of the village for a day. To provide them with both the fun and excitement of a festival day in 16th-century England and a bit of education on what life could be like for folks way back when. There is a balance to be had, and it really depends on how you choose to spend your time at the festival. Let us give you a look at how ren faire uses education and entertainment to create season after season of family fun!
The ORIGINAL Renaissance Pleasure Faire
In the 1960s, Phyllis Patterson (a drama and English teacher) went above and beyond to bring history alive for her class by turning her backyard into a small Renaissance faire. Later on that same year, she and her husband created a Renaissance Pleasure Faire fundraiser for California radio station KPFK, drawing nearly eight thousand people in from the surrounding area. This original faire, held at Haskell’s Rascals Ranch, was determined to maintain as much historical accuracy as possible. Live demonstrations were held throughout the day, and vendors had to remain ‘in character’ and present plausible items for sale.
This concept attracted a variety of people, with the most enthusiastic being the counter-culture movements that were prominent during the era. Crafters, artists, musicians, and actors wanted to join in, encouraging the faire to expand. In 1966, the Renaissance Pleasure Faire of Southern California opened its gates, and pretty soon faires and festivals were springing up all across America.
Education or Entertainment
Not every faire operates under the same guiding principles. Some faires are more reenactments, devoted to accurate representations and offering a structured understanding of the society of the time period. Others are more of a festival atmosphere, utilizing the theming of the Renaissance era to create a unique and engaging experience for guests and visitors. Even within the faire community itself, there is an ongoing debate as to how much of a festival should be devoted to education vs entertainment. Most festivals are somewhere in between, seeking to provide both amazing shows and learning experiences.
At the Ohio Renaissance Festival, we put a lot of focus on knowing where the educational opportunities are as well as how best to make your stay here an adventure. Our street cast does an amazing job of personifying real people in a rural English village. Each character you meet has a job in Willy-Nilly, from the Mayor to the Ratcatchers, and they can tell you more about it if you ask. We host several live demonstrations across the park, including leatherworking, handmade bows, glassblowing, and ironwork! And many of our stage shows offer their knowledge on the Tudor Era activities for your learning pleasure.
What Can You Learn At ORF?
So you want to learn about the Renaissance era? Grab a cider and have a seat! We can tell you the best places to increase your knowledge and have a little fun at ORF!
Birds of Prey – Arena of Champions
Falconry was considered the sport of nobility and those who tended the prized raptors were highly valued. Come see these animal ambassadors and learn about their long history through the Renaissance Period.
Cincinnati Barbarians – Barbarians Ring
Hand-to-hand combat was an essential skill for those who wished to survive in the heat of battle! This armored combat group based out of Cincinnati can show you how with real fights, real armor, real weapons, and real combat.
Court Dance – Market Square / Eight-Hands Round -Chess Field
Queen Elizabeth 1st was an ardent fan of music and dancing. So much so that she even had over seventy people appointed to her court for her entertainment. Learn real Elizabethan court dances with our Willy Nilly village cast every festival day!
Full Armored Joust – Arena of Champions
True sportsmanship on display as the members of Combatant’s Keep show off their stunning horsemanship, lance skills, and real heart-pumping jousts as they tear up the lists! This show is unchoreographed with highly trained professionals and research-based jousting techniques.
Live Demonstrations
Be sure to look for the following live demonstrations as you visit the Ohio Renaissance Festival:
A Viking Wife & Co.
Blue Flame Trading Post
Bowskin Archery and Buckskin
Brown Cow Art
Creations in Glass
Dragon’s Head Forge
Earthsong Instruments
For Leather After
Griffin Works Leather
Hooks and Chain
Island Girl Hides
Journeyman Leather
Lyons Pyre Glasswerks
Melting Dragon Candles
Have you visited ORF for the 2024 season? Let us hear about your adventures online! Be sure to tag #orfstories and #orf2024 so we can see what you’ve been up to!
Features Image: Checkmate Photography