“Having a place to go and take a load off during the day. Get out of the hustle and bustle of faire for a few minuets is a nice thing to have.”
– Jason (Commadore Silvermane)

ORFans badge and brag rag.

Tucked away behind the Aleing Knight Pub and nestled next to the Chess Field is a little area with a cozy fence and plenty of shade where you can see people laughing and chatting, enjoying their little slice of the faire. If you pass by on a nice day, you might see everyone milling about the tents, sharing food, and waving to Her Majesty as the parade passes. If you have a keen eye, you might have spotted the badge they all share, a dragon on a shield with the name ORFans.

The ORFans started back in 2017 as a way to offer the hardcore, dedicated fans of the Ohio Renaissance Festival a few additional perks through membership. Benefits like access to the festival all through the season and the ORFanage, where the members relax and converse, made for a big draw that helped get this group off the ground. Since then, the group has only grown, along with additional benefits like a dedicated entrance, invites to cast rehearsals, and special after-hours events.

ORFans getting a special sneak peek at cast rehearsals.

The ORFanage is a duo of strong canvas tents set up on concrete blocks, offering a clean, dry, well-shaded area for ORFans to gather for a rest. But most of the decorations you see were provided by the members themselves. It is a labor of love, from the antique table to the hand-built shelving and dias for visiting performers. The tapestries and pillows, and furniture have been donated over the years so that there is always somewhere to lounge. They’ve even set up a changing room to help with those mid-day corset retightens and kilt-adjustments.

“Everybody knows each other. We all look out for each other. You’ve always got a friend even if you come by yourself.”
– Jeffrey (King Joffrey)

There is always food. Every day is different, but the ORFans take it upon themselves to provide for one another in a potluck-style effort to stay well-fed and hydrated during the festival days. You never know what you’re going to get, from a crock-pot full of sloppy joes to home-made cookies and cake. Water and Powerade are provided by the festival, but it doesn’t hurt that there is a Pub and a hard cider booth within quick walking distance.

ORFanage Sitting Area
Storage, Books, Games
Changing Area

You will usually find the ORFanage bustling with activity, eager members greeting old friends, making new ones, and planning their day of fun. Yet the ORFans are not content to rest on cushions and drink Powerade. As the group grows, their real desire is to be a bigger part of the fair community. Many of the members are looking for opportunities to contribute to the faire in a positive way. Suggestions such as offering volunteer work in the local community or being active helpers during the season show a strong conviction to do more than the average pass holder.

“I’d like to see the program (ORFans) interact a lot more with the faire. Sort of like old school playtrons. Have more of a role, if you want to, where you can be emissaries and help everybody enjoy the faire.”
– Jason (Commadore Silvermane)

Community has always been one of the best parts of ren faire, and ORF has been praised frequently for being one of the most welcoming faires. Our guilds and groups are ever-expanding, with many people belonging to more than one at a shot. The fact that the ORFans see their status as an opportunity to help bring more into the rennie vibe only further proves how welcoming the village truly is.