The Upstate Renaissance Faire, returns to the Chenango County Fairgrounds for its fourth year on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH - The Upstate Renaissance Faire returns to the Chenango County Fairgrounds on August 29 and 30, marking its fourth year at the venue. Gates open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, rain or shine.

Tickets are available at the gate and cost $17 for adults, $15 for kids 6-13, kids five and under are free. Veterans and active duty military members get a special discount with ID, and firefighters, police, EMS, and nurses, pay $10 with ID. Parking is free, re-entry is permitted with a stamp, and credit cards are accepted at the gate. Be mindful however that many vendors are cash-only and there are no ATMs on site.

Organizer Heather Baker, who owns and operates the fair, said the event has grown steadily since its debut bringing in both themed entertainment and a variety of artisan vendors. “You’re going to see a lot of things that you probably wouldn’t expect to go see at a fair. There’s not necessarily rides or anything like that. It’s more craft vendors and an immersive interactive experience,” said Baker.

There will be around 50 vendors offering a variety of items. Some artisans will offer live demonstrations, including loom weaving and historical craft techniques.

“We’ve got so many vendors this year,” Baker exclaimed. “You’re definitely going to find some jewelry. We have armorers, there’s leather work, leather armor for arm bracers, belts, bags, things like that,” said Baker, “floral arrangements, hair pieces, walking sticks. We have a few blacksmiths coming.”

Baker listed things like a phenomenal woodworker who makes goblets, cups and wall décor, ladies coming in to do tarot readings and things of that nature, and a weaver who will likely be spinning wool in costume.

As it pertains to the entertainment, Baker emphasized that all of the shows are family-friendly. “That’s one of the things that we have really pushed for is keeping everything family friendly,” she said. The Upstate Renaissance Faire has a full slate of performances that will run throughout the weekend, including: The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) an immersive history group who will perform live combat demonstrations; Thimbleberry the Wood Sprite, an interactive storyteller for the whole family; Timbalanced, a juggling performer; Daniel Greenwolf Celtic Magician, whose performance involves firebreathing; Harpist Matthew Schwarz; and Morgan Eagle Falconry coming to do live demonstrations. New this year they are bringing in an aerial acrobatist. There will be a roaming busker providing music across the fairgrounds, and an additional storyteller. This is not an exhaustive list of what will be there.

A wide range of food vendors will be on site, including: Hocus Smokus BBQ, Sir. Palmer’s Shack, All Things Delicious, Jammings, Freddy’s Rockin’ Lemonade, and Pepe’s barbecue. All fairly local or regional places. Beverage vendors include Dragonfire Distillery and Awestruck Ciders, who will serve alcohol with adherence to ID requirements and on-site consumption rules.

“It’s a pretty wide range of everything,” baker said, “something that everybody will certainly enjoy.”

Costumes are encouraged, and attendees often arrive dressed as knights, fairies, fantasy characters, or even pop-culture icons. The fairgrounds themselves take on a medieval atmosphere with period tents, banners, and vendor displays.

For newcomers they recommend embracing the immersive nature of the faire, interacting with performers, exploring artisan booths, enjoying the creativity of costumed guests, and leaving with some ‘Ren Dirt’ on your boots.

“If you fully immerse in the experience and interact and embrace it, you will be dirty and hot and sweaty but you will be happy,” said Baker.

Find more information on the Upstate Renaissance Faire Facebook page found at www.facebook.com/UpstateRenFest

(They do not have website just yet so check there for updates, and rules.)