Walking through the fair grounds, attendees are surrounded by fairies, knights in shining armor, and crowds of hoop skirts. Each festival is a trip back in time and encourages people to embrace an older era.
The renaissance festival was introduced to Kansas in 1977 and is now one of the largest in the United States. According to the KC Renaissance Festival Website, the festival brings in over 200,000 attendees annually with events for all ages. The current season runs Aug. 31 to Oct. 14, and each weekend offers a new theme such as “Fantasy and Fairies” or “Steampunk Sensation.”
Sophomore Emmett Henry described the process of dressing up, including the hours of research that goes into an accurate costume. From creating personalized patterns to ensure the perfect fit to sewing elements of the outfit together, it takes days of preparation.
“It’s fun to have an opportunity for other people to appreciate the clothing you make for historical purposes,” Henry said. “It’s just a form of self expression that’s rare.”
Dressing up becomes mandatory for employees like senior Jay Wisler. To appreciate his Scottish heritage, Wisler often wears a kilt and accessories with items from festival vendors. Due to his job in food prep, Wisler has created strong relationships with other employees. Wisler attributes his return to work at the festival to the dedication of his fellow employees.
“I worked for food prep there for two years, and they put a lot of care [into cooking and serving food], because…if it’s raining, … if it’s hot or really cold, they still work,” Wisler said.
The festival brings in a large group of employees and vendors every year, with some entertainers traveling from as far as California or as close as the University of Kansas. KU junior Kai Smith has worked as a freestyle combatant in the festival for three years and appreciates the break from reality.
According to Smith, vendors work to create memories and a sense of freedom for patrons, from handmade costume pieces to the iconic turkey leg with a mile long line. The festival strives to create an unforgettable experience with a diverse representation of people.
“It feels like you’re in a community, even if you’ve never met anyone there,” Henry said. “Everyone understands that we’re here to have fun.”
