Renaissance fans and local vendors are coming back for the annual Red Wolf Renaissance Fair, starting Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. and ending Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. The event will be held at Craighead Forest Park and host a wide array of events and performers.

Merchants at the fair will sell a variety of goods, including crafts, jewelry, books, toys and more. There will also be many food and drink options available. Interactive activities and performances will occur throughout the day, such as Arkansas State University’s Merry Minstrels.

A-State flute professor Stephanie Hoeckley said the Merry Minstrels provide a bridge between the attendees and the fair.

“Music has a powerful way of shaping how we experience the world around us. Just as a great film score deepens our emotional connection to a movie, live music can make the sights and sounds of the renaissance fair feel even more immersive,” Hoeckley said. “Our program features both energetic and lyrical works that are sure to lift spirits and transport fairgoers into a joyful, renaissance mood.”

This year’s fair will have new changes and improvements. More vendors and food options will be available, as well as new activities to participate in. One of these new events is an armoured combat tournament. Fighters will compete to win prizes and qualify for national tournaments.

Lauren Hopkins, founding director of the fair, said this event creates a special moment for the community.

“It’s a community creating an event that’s special to their audience. So all of us come together in order to create a performance, to create an atmosphere, and to create something really special, to give back to everybody that comes and supports us,” Hopkins said. 

Hopkins said the fair is designed to provide families and individuals with a day of fun, but it also raises awareness for a special cause. The Red Wolf Renaissance Fair will provide information to attendees about red wolf conservation and the importance of red wolves in the wild. Supported by the Red Wolf Coalition, the fair will promote methods of donation and supporting the conservation effort.

“We are the Red Wolves at Arkansas State University, and Howl and Scarlet, our mascots, are great,” Hopkins said. “However, it’s so important that we fight for every single species that we can help save. The red wolf is so integral to environments because it helps with creating a more balanced ecosystem. Every single organism within any type of environment that you see or habitat has a role to play.”

The fair is open to everyone of all ages. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their medieval garb and interact with passing actors. Some actors might send participants on a quest or shout royal announcements. 

Hopkins said there is no reason for people coming for the first time to be anxious about attending.

“Have an open mind. Renaissance fairs often are a blend of not only history, but also fantasy,” Hopkins said. “It’s really just about reaching out to the person inside of you and the character that you want to be, rather than checking off a box to fit in with the crowd.”

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