Renaissance Faire Set For
This Weekend In Ardmore

by Dwight Turner

In what has become a much-anticipated Ardmore tradition, the Third Annual Ardmore Renaissance Faire will be held this weekend, Saturday, April 22 and Sunday April 23. This year's event will take place in the Alabama Park in Ardmore, AL and is sponsored by the Ardmore, AL/TN Chamber of Commerce.

Hours of the faire will be 10 AM through 5 PM.

If the past three years are any indication, the event should provide a special treat for area residents, young and old alike. According to organizers of this year's event, things will be better than ever.

Participants will have the opportunity to travel back in time and experience an interesting world of music, history, costumes and contests. Dashing knights will engage in games to include hand-to-hand combat, fencing, archery and others. Vendors will be on hand, offering wares associated with the time period including swords, jewelry, masks, candles, incense, stuffed animals and even fairy wands.

The faire celebrates the period of European history commonly referred to as the "Renaissance." Renaissance actually means "rebirth" and the faire is a celebration of the rebirth of European culture after the misery of the Dark Ages.

The Renaissance began in Italy and quickly spread westward. It represented a reconnection of the west with classical antiquity and the absorption of knowledge, particularly in philosophy, science, art and mathematics.

People of the Renaissance began to focus more on human concerns and the betterment of mankind in general. The focus of importance was on living well in the present and many unique forms of art and culture were developed. Knowledge was disseminated faster with the advent of the printing press and commerce took off with better means of transportation and the exploration of the new world.

Admission to the Renaissance Faire is $2 and $1 if in costume. Children under the age of two are admitted free. A family of five or more can enter for a total price of $10.

Vendors interested in participating in the Renaissance Faire are encouraged to call 256-423-7588. Booth costs are $60 for both days.

For further information, call 256-423-7588.