The Doña Ana Arts Council has been hearing from a large number of people who are excited about the return of the Renaissance ArtsFaire to Young Park Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 6-7. The hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
The Arts Council is expecting a big turnout given the long months so many have had to restrict their ventures out from their homes and given the opportunity this presents to be outside and safely part of an iconic event.
New this year will be a living chess game with players from several of the local high-school chess clubs. There may be some interesting costumes worn by the players and some intriguing moves on the board.
Due to unfortunate water conditions this year, there will be no canoe rides on the lake, and Magellan (the dragon) will be on dry land. However, other familiar and new activities will be happening, with 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 Anachronisms, the Order of Epona, Frosty Locks, Pied Piper Minstrels, musician Randy Granger and magician 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!
With the “No Faire!” RenFaire in 2020, DAAC had a very successful online auction with the generous help of New Mexico Estate Auctions. In 2021 the Faire again includes the online auction, which began Nov. 2 and continues through Nov. 11 and includes works of art, tools, antiques and books.
Both the Renaissance ArtsFaire and DAAC celebrate 50 years in this community in 2021. DAAC has issued the invitation as a golden opportunity to bridge cultures, appreciate the arts and have fun.
Patrons are asked to 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 Doña Ana Community College Training Center and Rawson Builders Supply on Nevada Avenue will be open and available. There will also be remote parking in the west parking lot of Mesilla Valley Mall with bus service between there and the Faire both days.
Out of respect for people who live in the neighborhoods near Young Park, patrons are asked to use the parking lots mentioned above to avoid congestion and blocking guest parking in the neighborhoods.
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.
Tickets are $10 each or two for $15 for each day of the RenFaire. Purchase tickets online at https://daarts.org/renaissance-artsfaire/ or at the gate.
Call DAAC at 575-523-6403.
