Every year, the Doña Ana Arts Council’s Renaissance ArtsFaire transforms Young Park, in Las Cruces, into a magical realm where a medieval sensibility reigns throughout the entire weekend. Featuring the largest juried art show in Southern New Mexico, with over 150 artists, vendors, and food booths, the ArtsFaire offers unique treasures and a festive atmosphere for all. With the theme “Travelers in Time,” The 52nd Annual Renaissance Arts Faire brings a promise of timeless art, food, and entertainment to Young Park this year on November 4 & 5, 2023.
Quality artists from across the country set up shop in the main art realm, to sell original, handcrafted items, including jewelry, pottery and ceramics, photographs, leather goods, paintings and drawings, sculpture, toys, textiles and wood. In addition to the artists’ booths, the two-day festival features on-going entertainment on The Main Stage, The Royal Courts, The Middle Eastern Village, The Children’s Realm, on the Jousting Field, and around the lake. Ambient entertainment excites the faire patrons throughout the park over both days. World class wines and Fine Grog are available for tasting or purchasing at the Dragon’s Eye Tavern.
The Society for Creative Anachronism, The Order of Epona, Frosty Locks, and the Pied Piper Minstrels are just a few of the entertainers you’re likely to encounter on the green, along with Knights and Ladies strolling the pathways, mixing with squires and peasants alike. The Queen’s Court and The Crimson Bear Court offer looks into royal life of the period with many activities and performances, such as medieval “fashion shows,” Tapestries, and too many wondrous sights to mention.
Children can join in the Renaissance fun in the Children’s Realm; shoot some arrows, feed the Potter’s Guild alligator, try the Knight’s Ring and Dragon Toss and make their own oddities of the past. Children and adults can also shop for bargains at the Peddler’s Market where young merchants sell their hand-made wares.
Unfortunately, pets should stay home or with a trusted caretaker, because the walks, the entertainments, the arts, and the dining are all intended for only the human members of the family at this iconic event. The Arts Council also expresses regret that Magellan the Dragon will not be able to glisten in the lake this year, nor will boat rides be allowed due to water conditions beyond their control. Hope has been expressed that both can return in 2023.
The hills of Young Park are alive in early November with the sights and sounds of revelry and anachronistic entertainment, at the longest running Renaissance Faire in the southwest. For more information, visit the website.
Posted by LasCruces.com
