Idaho Renaissance Faire

Do you like being part of the fun and exciting times of the medieval and renaissance times? Dressing up, eating turkey legs, watch live jousting, and listen to period music? There are a couple of opportunities in Idaho to do such that and not commit beyond just a weekend of frivolity. This is where Kostenko family fun also turns into the Kostenko family job. My husband and I belong to a traditional eastern European group called, the Fleet Street Klezmer Band. We are often asked to attend renaissance faires to perform and entertain the visitors. As the kids have gotten older, it is fun to bring them along. While we perform, sometimes they also join in dancing or entertaining the crowd. Other times they go off and play making dirt angels or coloring. Between breaks in the entertainment, I take the kids around to see the other attractions at the faire.

In 2011, the Idaho Renaissance Faire was launched as a free, family-friendly event in Emmett, Idaho. The IRF is connected with the local SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) group so you are bound to be in for a treat. No goofy, cheap dress up here! There is live jousting, fencing, blacksmiths hard at work, weavers, dancing, and the Faire's very own line of royalty that preside over the event. Dressing up is encouraged and it is often difficult to tell who is visiting and who is entertaining.

Jousting!

Amazing to watch, so nerve wracking!

There are events for both adults and children. Adults can enjoy taking part in a live battle scenario with soft swords and shields. There are falconry demonstrations, calligraphy, and chainmail making too! Even play a live chess game! Kind of like the Wizards Chess from Harry Potter, without the more violent aspect. Other adult activities  you can be locked up in the stockades or play a myriad of games from the time of yore.

Live chess game using humans as pieces! 

Ezra and Zippy with the dragon's treasure!

Children can enjoy free dress up, a children's area with a fun rope bridge challenge, and visiting all the vendors willing to share their trade secrets with you. My kids always like having their pictures taken with the dragon.

Dress up in real armor from the blacksmith,
how cool is this???

After you dress up, get locked in the stockades, beat on someone in the mock battle scenario, eat a smoke turkey leg or two, send the kids through an obstacle course, what else is there to do? Well, sit back and relax while listening to some awesome music. ;-)

The weekend was packed with great entertainment from around the Treasure Valley. The Fool Squad, Guess When Tribal Celtic, Beltane, Bryan Sapphire (comedy), Insert Foot Theater, and of course, Fleet Street Klezmer Band. 

Klezmer-gypsy awesomeness right there! 

This year was larger, with a lot more activities, demonstrations, and vendors. The entertainment is always worth coming out for too. My favorite is watching the Fool Squad, who are regular performers in the Boise area. Guess When Tribal Celtic always delivers a fast-paced, fun musical experience. As a performer, I love the appreciative audiences and the children. Children get up and dance with our dancer and sometimes a daring, brave soul will come up too. Where else are you going to have this much fun?

If the idea of attending a renaissance faire does not appeal to you, try and check it out anyways. This faire is not overdone hokey, dress-up time, but a very well represented idea of what life was like back then. The authenticity of the demonstrations and SCA members makes this a historical dream come true. And well, if you rather kick back and watch belly dancing while gnawing on a smoked turkey leg, there is that for you too! 

The Idaho Renaissance Faire is held the second week of October at the Gem Island Sports Complex in Emmett, Idaho. The event runs from 10-6 Saturday and Sunday, with live entertainment and fun for the whole family through out the day. The event is free and worth the drive to Emmett to check out!