I've always wanted to go to a Renaissance faire. The outfits, the food, the jousting! Well, to my delight, my home state, North Dakota, is hosting a 2nd annual renaissance faire this year.
As a medieval adventure fiction writer, what a great opportunity to sell books AND have a great time at a historical event!
I put much preparation into the event, including sewing a tent cover to make my booth look appropriate for the occasion.
My mother-in-law and I took turns sewing, pinning, cutting, keeping my one-year-old son out of mischief, and cooking meals for our husbands.
I also made myself a hat to match one of my many medieval gowns I sewed years ago, and ordered new bookmark business cards.
On Friday, my husband and I drove to Fargo to set up.
That night, I could hardly get to sleep, I was so excited yet anxious for what the next day would bring.
The next morning we were hurriedly lacing up our costumes before heading out the door, grabbing some breakfast, and heading to North Dakota horse park!
A quick chat with our neighboring vendor revealed that the year before, there had only been 10 vendors, and 15,000 visitors, and that they had sold out of their jewelry!
As the gates opened, I prepared for the frenzy.
The day was packed with people in fairy costumes, mushroom hats, and plated armor streaming passed our tent. I got to talk with a ton of lovely folks, and was delighted that so many people were interested in my series, Legacy of Chevolta, and wanted to buy them! My most popular book was, of course, Captive of Klapilton, since it is the first in series.
Some people would leave as soon as I told them my books were clean with zero spice, and some left when I told them it was Christian Worldview. But that's okay, my books were clearly not for them. Others were excited by this news, and bought my books on the spot!
I left the booth but once, I was so busy with customers.
My husband and I went out to eat that night, and even though I was excited about the successful day, I was also extremely exhausted.
Knowing that it was going to rain the next day, we braced ourselves for a vastly different Sunday.
Sunday dawned cloudy, and I donned a thick pair of extra medieval sleeves and a cloak.
The day was slow, and so I had the opportunity to explore the grounds a bit, check out the other vendors, and experience the joust, which was amusing.
Since the rain held off a little while, a small crowd trickled in for the festivities.
But as soon as the rain began pouring from skies, faire goers dashed desperately across the grounds to get back to their vehicles.
We closed two sides of the tent, put away excess stock, and consolidated to one main table in the center of the booth so people could step in and get out of the rain.
We made a few more sales, but soon the faire was quiet and melancholy.
Even our jolly neighbors selling all day game passes quieted their cheerful calls to adventure, as one or two umbrella-laden visitors dared not tarry.
As it grew close to closing time, we began packing up, lest my books became further warped by the moisture in the air.
Overall it was a very fun experience, but we were happy to get into dry clothes and call it good for the weekend.
We will be returning to the scene of the North Dakota renaissance faire the last weekend of August, and I look forward to meeting more vibrant, adventurous folks then!
-Charity A. Land
Wish you could come this weekend! I'm glad you enjoyed it 😁
Wish i could have been there!
Looks like fun! Perfect venue for your series.