Scottsboro Renaissance Faire draws large crowd with two days of armored combat, live music and over 130 themed vendors at King Caldwell Park
Story By Katie Hightower
Jackson County held its second annual Renaissance Faire at King Caldwell Park in Scottsboro on Nov. 8-9. According to event organizers, the faire attracted over 3,700 visitors. Event highlights included a live combat arena, dancing, music and renaissance-themed vendors.
Each live combat demonstration attracted lots of attention and the bleachers filled with spectators who were eager to witness hand-to-hand medieval scrimmages. Two live combat groups traveled to Scottsboro for this year’s renaissance faire: The Lexington Lycans from Lexington, Kentucky, and the Tulsa Tyrants from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Event organizer, Courtney Harding said that several individual armored combat participants also traveled to the event from Atlanta, Memphis and Nashville. Scottsboro’s home team for the renaissance faire, the Iron Swan Armored Combat Team, wowed the audience with their first home performance since the group’s formation last year.
Over 130 vendors were set up at the faire. Books, teas, baked goods, archery supplies, flowers, artwork, jewelry, toys, clothing and costumes were all items available for purchase. Authors and artists happily greeted attendees and shared stories about their work and life.
One vendor, Sara Conrad, sold crocheted items and air fresheners at the faire. She said she was impressed with the faire’s organization and attendance.
“It was a lot better than last year; there were a lot more people this year,” Conrad said. “I can’t wait until next year.”
Conrad said her favorite part of the renaissance faire was meeting new people and making new friends. She said someone she didn’t know just randomly gave her a gift. She said the fair was wonderful for kids, especially the photo opportunities with costumed vendors.
Conrad said she planned on vending at the event again next year. She said she received a lot more business than she expected and sold out of most items. She was surprised how many people from out-of-state attended the event and she was happy with how involved the event organizers were.
“It was a lot more organized this year. The people over it did an amazing job and asked for input—good or bad,” Conrad said.
Scottsboro Renaissance Faire organizers, Courtney Harding, Amber Smith, Brittany Jeter and Adam Chandler were happy with the event’s success. They said it was a huge blessing to be able to do the event and overall the vendors input was positive with many who said they planned on attending the event again next year.
“Overall, my favorite part of the event was the feedback from vendors and guests. I talked to 20 to 30 different people in the renaissance circuit who said we did a phenomenal job,” Jeter said. “I cried a couple of times. It was a labor of love.”
Smith said the faire received good feedback and many people told her it was one of the best events they ever attended. Her favorite part of the faire was getting to see happiness on everyone’s faces.
“Vendors, fairgoers and teamwork accomplishments—it brings the event to life, having that community and spirit,” Smith said.
Harding said her favorite part of the faire was the live entertainment by the armored combat fights, the traveling musicians and belly dancers.
“As people left, they’d stop and say thanks for doing it. They said they were thankful Scottsboro has it now,” Harding said. “This year’s renaissance faire was awesome. I’m so thankful to have the feedback so we will know what to do to make it even better. It takes a whole community to make it happen. I’m thankful for the vendors who participated in the feedback to help it grow.”
Scottsboro Renaissance Faire organizers expressed their gratitude to sponsors of the event. Presenting sponsors included the Scottsboro City Council, Mayor Jim McCamy, the City of Scottsboro, Family Savings Credit Union and Unclaimed Baggage Center. The Queen of the Faire sponsors were Sign 1-1 Emergency Sign Shop and Park & 35 Vintage Clothier. Other sponsors included Tennessee Macabre, Marion County Messangers, Goose Pond Colony Resort, Artist Brittany Bee Randalls Wilks and Fever Dream Game Store.
The faire organizers also expressed special thanks to the Iron Swan Armored Combat Team, the Lexington Lycans and the Tulsa Tyrants.
