Knoxville, TN - A regional renaissance festival just got bigger with a name change, announces Darkhorse Entertainment, LLC. Originally called the East Tennessee Renaissance Festival at its October 2014 preview show, it will now become the Tennessee Medieval Faire for its grand opening on May 16.
Through the gates you will find a magical world full of fun and frolic set in the year 1543. England’s King Henry VIII and his wife, Queen Katherine Parr of Ireland, are visiting the shire for a market festival.
This outdoor interactive family festival includes stages with continuous entertainment: jousting, warriors’ chess, skilled artisans selling their wares, minstrels filling the air with music, colorful villagers regaling you with jokes, and folk dancers inviting you to join in the fun. Be sure to bring your appetite; there will be turkey legs, hearty soups, hot sandwiches, tempting desserts, and cold beverages (including beer by order of royal decree!)
“Jousting, entertainment, crafters, and more! This will be a fun event for the entire family,” said Pam May, Director of Marketing and Tourism, The Roane Alliance. “I love the new name and never imagined a state festival would make its home in Roane County.”
“A show near Nashville was feeling threatened by our festival and demanded we change our name, so we decided to think bigger and embrace the entire state,” said Barrie Paulson, VP-Manager & Entertainment Director. “We had always planned to present a theatrical interpretation of history from the Middle Ages (Medieval) to the Renaissance. This includes the Age of Chivalry, Age of Faith, kings and queens, knights and romance, Camelot, Robin Hood, and even King Henry VIII. Our festival name has changed, but the delightful family content will stay the same.”
The next open actor audition is Saturday, February 21, from 2-5 pm at 125 Barrie Lane, Kingston, TN. Those interested should be prepared to demonstrate their talents: sing, tell a joke, juggle, as well as participate in improvisational games. Experience and costumes are helpful, but not necessary.
The festival is also seeking vendors who make and sell their own period crafts and foods. Crafts include leather, glass, wood, cloth, and metal. Foods include meat sandwiches, pastries, glazed nuts, fruit, and desserts. Interested vendors need to apply by March 31.
The Tennessee Medieval Faire will run the last three weekends in May, including Memorial Day: May 16-17, 23-25, 30-31. Ticket prices are $14.95 for ages 13 and up, $7.95 for ages 12 to 5, free for ages 4 and under, and will include free parking. The festival is located at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman. For more information as well as vendor guidelines and applications, please visit the website www.TMFaire.com.
A New Tradition Joust for You. Fun for the Whole Family.
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