Peggy Kelly first attended the Ohio Renaissance Festival about 15 years ago. Even then, the festival had been a well-established mecca of history-meets-fantasy escapism that drew attendees by the tens of thousands to Waynesville during autumn weekends each year.
Kelly, a member of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative in Oxford, remembers enjoying the merrymaking at the time, but still wasn’t fully enthralled enough to make it an annual pilgrimage. But after she decided to give it another go, now she’s all-in.
“The first time I went, I thought it was fun,” Kelly says. “But we went again about five years ago, and that’s when it really got in my blood. It’s grown. There are more shows now, more things to look at, and different themed weekend activities, and I really enjoy it.”
Peggy Kelly (pictured at center) attends the Ohio Renaissance Festival both alone and with her family during the course of the event.
The festival lasts eight to nine weeks, and Kelly, who is a season passholder, says she’ll typically attend six to eight times during that period. She attends often enough that she says her husband knows exactly where she’s headed if she gets up early — and that she’ll be gone for most of the day.
A rich history
Established in 1990 by Cincinnati entrepreneur Peter Carroll, the RenFaire (as loyal fans know it) has evolved into a premier event that invites attendees to step into a re-created 16th-century English village, where they can rub elbows with royalty or feast with fairies.
“When you step through the gate, you can leave your cares in the parking lot and get away for the day,” says Cheryl Bucholtz, a member of Lancaster-based South Central Power Company and the Renaissance Festival’s marketing director.
And that’s exactly the appeal for folks like Kelly. “I usually go with my family, but I have also gone by myself before and you are just so welcomed by everybody,” she says. “The characters, everybody that dresses up, and the staff, they are all just a fun bunch of people to be with.”
The festival started as a weekend event on a small field in Warren County, and over the years, it has grown into one of the largest and longest-running in the nation. Depending on weather, more than 200,000 festivalgoers may enter the now-permanent grounds on September and October weekends.
A full-time staff of seven spearheads the planning and execution of the festival year-round. During festival days, however, the staff balloons to between 500 and 750 people, encompassing volunteers and workers who contribute to the smooth operation of the event. “I love that they bring in groups like the Scouts and local school choirs to help,” Kelly says. “It’s a great way for those groups to raise funds and to support the community.”
Continued growth
With an additional 5 acres added to the grounds in 2023, the nearly 40 acres now can accommodate even more vendors, food and beverage options, shaded seating areas, and entertainment.
“The festival’s mission is to create unforgettable experiences where history and fantasy collide,” Bucholtz says. “To ensure success, the festival strives for ongoing growth while maintaining its dedication to delivering unforgettable experiences.”
The Renaissance Festival successfully meets its mission by striking a delicate balance between historical authenticity and imaginative elements.
Visitors like Kelly enjoy a rich tapestry of entertainment, including jousting, musicians, strolling characters, and troupes such as the Swordsmen, the Cincinnati Barbarians, and the awe-inspiring Kamikaze Fireflies.
Something for everyone
The festival also boasts a diverse group of vendors offering handmade wares such as glassware, clothing, jewelry, pottery, home décor, and various crafts. Kelly also enjoys the many different types of food available during the festival.
“I think the joust show is probably one of my favorite things and one of the most popular shows, because everybody seems to want to see that,” she says. “They always get a really good crowd.”
Kelly’s grandson was knighted by the royal court last year at the Renaissance Festival and has since left for boot camp. She says he should be home in early September, and Kelly looks forward to taking him back to the festival when he gets back.
“Some people really, really get into it, to the point where the entire family in some way, shape, or form is dressed in character,” says Kelly, who also dresses in character when she attends. “One year, I saw a stroller transformed into a castle. Some people are so creative and artistic and just have fun with it.”
Ohio Renaissance Festival, 10542 State Route 73, Waynesville, Ohio 45068. Open weekends (and Labor Day) Sept. 2–Oct. 29. Visit www.renfestival.com for tickets or season passes.
