The Doña Ana Arts Council heralds a return to “normalcy,” with the 50th Annual Renaissance ArtsFaire, at Young Park, November 6-7, 2021. In 2020, the Renaissance ArtsFaire had to be a virtual event due to the pandemic, with the theme: “No Faire!” This year, the theme “Bridging Cultures” is about connecting, opening up, being inclusive. Additionally, with 2021 being coined “The Year of the Artist,” there is an expectation for great things with the return of the Faire.
Many familiar activities and vendors will be back, but there will also be new ones to engage the spirit and intrigue the mind. New this year will be a living chess game with players from several of the local high school chess clubs. Introduced last year, and returning due to popular demand, the RenFaire Online Auction is back again, thanks to New Mexico Estate Auctions, Tuesday, November 2 – Thursday, November 11. Unfortunately, due to water conditions this year, there will be no canoe rides on the lake, but be assured Magellan will be back, greeting guests on dry land.
Other familiar and new activities will be taking place at the Queen’s and the Crimson Bear Courts, on the Main Stage, in the Children’s Realm, over at the Jousting Field, around the Lake, and at the Dragon’s Eye Tavern. The Society for Creative Anachronism, The Order of Epona, Frosty Locks, Pied Piper Minstrels, Randy Granger, and Chris Mitchell will all be back, along with a number of returning and new vendors. Of course, a wide range of victuals will be available to keep patrons’ strength up!
Since the RenFaire is mostly outside, masks are encouraged but not required for the open-air venues, but anyone riding the bus to and from the parking available at Mesilla Valley Mall, or entering the Silent Auction or the Queen’s Court tents, will be required to wear a mask. Patrons of all ages are also encouraged to keep several feet distant from other patrons at the event. Please note that there is very limited parking near Young Park with new bike lanes now open on Nevada Avenue, but the parking lots at the DACC Training Center and Rawson Builders Supply on Nevada will be open and available.
“We requesteth thy esteem’d company at this year’s faire!” is the invitation being put forth by the Doña Ana Arts Council. Dates and times are, Saturday, November 6, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, November 7, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Single tickets are $10, but two tickets can be purchased in advance of the Faire for $15 at all Pic Quik stores, or at the website. For more information, visit the website, or call 575-523-6403.
Posted by LasCruces.com
