Renaissance Faire begins Saturday

A troll, a maiden and a pirate walk into a park. That's not the intro to a joke, but it's what you'll likely see Saturday and Sunday at the 22nd Alabama Renaissance Faire.

Renaissance Roundtable members, along with people from all walks of the Shoals community and beyond help Wilson Park create its time warp.

"Our Renaissance Faire is one of those very unique festivals you don't find in other communities so it really sets us apart and shows how culturally diverse our community really is," said Alison Stanfield, assistant director of the Florence-Lauderdale tourism office.

Roundtable members lend their time and input, not in vain.

"Ideas from each Roundtable member are accepted and considered, not summarily dismissed. In other words, it's truly a collaborative effort," said the Roundtable's leader, Billy Warren.

Roundtable members routinely offer their talents to the faire. The Wiporwil and Rainbow dancers will join troupes from Huntsville.

Roundtable member Noelle Smith founded the local troupe, which has been performing at the faire for about 15 years.

"Some of the dancers I met when I moved here were performing at the faire, and it just seemed like the thing to do," she said.

The dancing always draws crowds, though not from whom you might expect. "The men stay (for a short time) and leave; the women sit there for hours," Smith said, laughing.

The time period and Florence's connection to Italy, the first Renaissance city, has kept Roundtable member Donna Miles involved with the faire since its start.

"It's fun .. I love history especially the Renaissance era," said Miles, who organizes entertainment and costume workshops each year. "Our city was named after Florence, Italy, and I've learned so much about it since our beginning."

People from around the globe will join the entertainment schedule this year.

International students from the University of North Alabama will exhibit their cultures through native costumes, artifacts and dance, according Warren.

"We feel like if those students have a part in that event, they'll get their friends to come out, and then tell the world about a great event in Florence, Alabama," Stanfield said.

As for old favorites, Skin and Bones, a dog act, returns to the entertainment schedule, along with Don Hinely, who plays such tunes as Simon and Garfunkel's "Scarborough Faire" on the glass harmonica.

A special event is planned for

3 p.m. Sunday involving the faire's current king, His Majesty Gregory Bowling, who happens to be a

pirate.

Whether you have taste for turkey legs or ornate velvet costumes, the faire should satisfy you, Warren said.

"People should come to the faire because there is literally something for everyone who is even remotely interested in the Medieval/Renaissance period, and it's all free. The choice to purchase items from the talented crafts vendors or delicious food from food venders is strictly that - a choice."

Alabamians and visitors from other regions mark their calendars for the faire, Stanfield said.

"We always have a large number of inquiries about the faire, and they range from children looking for something to do over the weekend to the retired traveler," she said.

"Right after the faire, people always call for next year's date."

Jennifer Crossley can be reached at 740-5743 or jennifer.crossley@timesdaily.com.