The Labor Day weekend Packwood Flea Market might grab more attention, but there’s another event worth checking out in East Lewis County for those who enjoy the fanciful things in life.
Randle is hosting the inaugural Cascadia Renaissance Faire this weekend.
Organized by The Gilded Thistle in partnership with the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis, the inaugural Cascadia Renaissance Faire will be held on Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6, at the Cowlitz River Rentals campground property.
Throughout the weekend, over 80 artisan craft vendors specializing in wood, leather and metal craftwork will be available, along with food vendors serving up Renaissance-era dishes like meat pies.
Additionally, dozens of performers are lined up for entertainment, ranging from musical performances including bagpipes, to Renaissance-era combat demonstrations by Hawkwood’s Troupe, Combat Corps Spokane and The Seattle Knights.
Some other bands performing include Abney Park, Celia Farran, Charlton Bruce, Nordic Daughter, Pëtrichør, Pipe Dream, Twisted Knickers, The Glensiders and more.
Live theater performances from Fakespeare and Clergy of Errors will also be held.
“Heavy athletics” performances are scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon and then 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday night, the “Night Faire” will run from 7 to 10 p.m.
Along with the Veterans Memorial Museum, other sponsors of the inaugural Cascadia Renaissance Faire include the Celtic Spirits Speakeasy and Celtic Elk Campground, Roxy’s Big Bottom Roadhouse, The Draught Smiths, Valhalla Mead, Stanis Creative and Lewis County through county Lodging Tax Advisory Committee funding.
Entrance to the campground is directly on the south side of U.S. Highway 12, just west of the highway’s intersection with Silverbrook Road. GPS directions to the entrance can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/3w3psh7e.
General admission is $22.50 each day for tickets online, or $25 at the entrance, with discounts available for veterans, first responders and seniors — who each pay $18 for tickets online and $20 at the gate. Additional group ticket packages and full-weekend camping packages are available and can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/5xuyk59x.
To learn more about the vendors and events being held, visit the Cascadia Renaissance Faire’s official website at https://cascadiarenfaire.com/.
