The End of His Reign: How Trenton Booksher Volunteers at Local Renaissance Faire

Because of the Renaissance Faire, senior Trenton Booksher happily goes from a prince to a blacksmith apprentice.

By Rhylee Diggins, Intro Student|Published: January 13, 2021

Senior Trenton Booksher stands with confidence dressed as his character Skrybbliz.

Trenton Booksher is a senior at Francis Howell North but he is also local royalty.

Every year, St. Louis puts on the Renaissance Faire and Trenton Booksher, also known as ‘Skrybbliz’, is the crowned prince.

“It starts with an open mind,” Booksher said.

He’d first heard about the festival through a friend of a friend. Then, in 2016, he went to the Spring Preview, a two weekend period set to preview the festival. When there, they found he fit the role for their prince. Booksher says ever since then he hasn’t missed the fair.

“It’s a form of expression a lot of us need today,” Booksher said.

Booksher before attending the fair said he “had a very closed perception of such things.” This helped him find not only a group he could consider family but a way to give back to the community and keep this time in history alive. Finding himself in a rough spot with family, Booksher found a form of escapism through the faire.

“I could see who I could consider my real family,” Booksher vocalized.

“Once you are a part of the festival your perspective changes,” Booksher said.

Being the prince of the faire, Booksher’s only job isn’t just to sit with royalty, it also includes greeting and helping out at the front gates, the annual cannon firing, and making sure people are enjoying their time at the faire. Booksher described his favorite part of the faire, which was during the last 20 minutes. The sun has reached about dusk and people, including the patrons and staff, dance at the front gate. The king sings ‘Sailors Prayer’ then after the king does a toast and the day comes to an end.

“I personally will not be going into acting, just filling my role has helped decide a career,” Booksher spoke.

In 2016, Booksher had noticed a booth set up known as “Bagger Blades.” This was a metal working and blacksmith shop that sold a multitude of hand crafted goods at the faire. By 2019, he finally reached out and now has an apprenticeship to hopefully become a blacksmith in the future.

“Just proud to say I was part of something,” Booksher said.