Scottsboro has successful turnout hosting its first-ever Renaissance Faire
Katie Hightower
On Nov. 9, Scottsboro held its first Renaissance Festival at King Caldwell Park. Nearly 4,000 attendees traveled to Scottsboro to attend the festival of fun and fantasy. The weather was overcast but the rain held off and allowed for the festivities to continue without interruption.
The medieval fencing by the Giants Forge Fencing team and armored fighting by the Iron Swan Armored Combat Team drew a large crowd of spectators. Watchers gasped and wowed at the intensity of the battles as fighters were cast onto the ground.
Finn Gooch traveled to Jackson County for the Renaissance Festival from Nashville. It was his birthday and he wanted to do something unusual and fun. He was surprised to be picked to battle in the ring with one of the armored fighters.
A nonprofit organization, the Empire for Medieval Pursuits, had a tent at the festival. Their organization promotes enriching the arts and teaching the scientific aspects of medieval armor and technology of the day.
Another nonprofit organization, Punk Rock Saves Lives, attended the event. The organization engages in community outreach and provides necessities to festival-goers in need of personal items. The group also registers people for the National Bone Marrow Registry as a means of helping the community. Jessa Parker said it was the organization’s first time attending a Renaissance Festival and she planned to come back next year.
There was a costume contest at the event. The many competitors caught attendees’ eyes with their colorful and creative costumes and before long a large crowd gathered to see the Renaissance-themed garments. Fairies, elves, knights, wizards, queens and peasants strutted in the circle of people watching the event.
The judges of the event deliberated for quite some time before they finally decided to award Cassie and Donald Tadsen the winners of the costume event. Then, the judges decided to award all of the children competing in the event winners due to how well each of them did on their costumes.
Sydney Overby, also known as Miss Clay the Fairy, helped judge the event.
“I have loved dressing up ever since I was little. This festival is super fun, the food is good, the energy is amazing and it’s just a dream come true,” she said.
There was live music by Solstice at the event in the park’s pavilion. Members of Solstice traveled to Scottsboro from Huntsville for the event. The music included a violin, bagpipes, and Renaissance period percussion instruments.
Other fun activities for event goers included a raffle, axe-throwing, inflatables, archery and corn-hole.
With over 80 vendors, attendees were sure to find something at the fair. There was jewelry, purses, herbs, preserved flora and fauna, 3-D printing services, handmade bows, clothing, treats and a wide-variety of foods.
Courtney Harding from Scottsboro came up with the idea to have the event in June. She organized a committee to help coordinate the event and they called themselves, “The Round Table.”
Those attending the event were surprised at how well it was organized. Harding said she planned on making the Renaissance Fair an annual event.
