Story by Samantha Schmid

The St. Louis Renaissance Faire will be opening to the public May 17 and will remain open Saturdays and Sundays until June 8 in Rotary Park.

“We run or shine, from 10 a.m to 6 p.m,” Renaissance Faire Marketer, Will Peterson said.

The Renaissance Faire is an annual outdoor gathering that is set in the time period of 16th century France. People can get dressed up and walk around, and enjoy the actors that do

street or stage performances. There are also merchant tents where people sell things like handmade boots and swords.

“It’s pretty diverse,” FHN student and Faire crew member Fionna Pillow said. “There’s something everybody can enjoy.”

Tickets will be sold at the gate on the day of the faire, on www.stlrenfest.com, or at Walgreens. An adult ticket, (ages 14 and up), costs $15.95, and kids, (ages 6 to 13), are $8.95 at regular pricing. Season passes are being sold as well.

“Get a map and take your time because there’s a lot to see. Otherwise you might miss something,” said Peterson.  “And come back more than once,”

There are options for everyone, whether they’re planning on going for one day or a few.

“I think that it’s just a good experience, even if you just go one day. It gives you a bit of history in an entertaining way, and there’s a lot to see,” Pillow said.

People attending the Faire can expect to see almost anything. The entertainment there ranges from jousting, to fire breathing and other performances. The performances differ from street to stage. The street performances include actors interacting with patrons,  jugglers and more. Stage performances include sword-swallowing and fire-breathing as well as comedic pieces.

And of course, there’s lots of food to choose from. Patrons can find a variety of conventional foods and drinks, and a few new things, like cheesecake on a stick.

“You can go to the Faire and walk through the gate and you’re transported back to 16th century France and you get to experience all the wonderful things the Faire has to offer,” Peterson said.