By Kate Reynolds, September 11, 2023
The Marseilles Parks and Tourism Committee (MTPC) has hosted a growing event for six years: the Marseilles Renaissance Faire. This year, the Marseilles Recreation Board partnered with (MTPC) to make the event at the field at 655 Commercial St. a fun family event. Every year, admission is free, but donations are accepted to help defray costs. It was only a one-day event from 11:00 to 5:00 p.m., and people still arrived at 4:30 p.m.
“We first held the faire at Knutson Park across the street from City Hall,” MTPC Chair Kathy Kocher said. “The event grew so large we moved it to the city’s T-Ball field. We’ve been here now for the last 3 to 4 years.
Good weather made it easy for about 475 people who attended the faire throughout the day. The crowd and about 50 crafters, food booths, and entertainers gave people plenty of things to do, see and eat. There was a dance contest, two stages, a tarot card reader, dragon burgers and eggs, dungeons and dragons, and so much more. Local Cub Scouts Pack 3799 sold Pioneer Stew and Dragon Sticks. Unexpectedly, lemon shake-ups and turkey legs were sold out by 2:30 p.m.
J.D. from Algonquin and his friend Francisco of Spring Valley were very impressed. “We didn’t expect any of this,” J.D. said. “The two stages were awesome, and the turkey legs were fantastic.”
Many visitors, along with crafters, dressed up in colorful clothes of the time, clearly enjoying themselves.
“I love this event,” Whitney Scheib, owner of The Crafty Lotus Company, dressed in a Renaissance-style dress. “It was a beautiful day, and I’m already looking forward to next year.”
Kocher said the faire wouldn’t be possible without volunteers ranging from the Boy Scouts and Recreation Board to friends and family. “We start planning for this in February and March,” Kocher said. “So, throughout the year, our committee always needs volunteers. Our committee is very grateful to our volunteers.”
Ed Cavanaugh, President of the Recreation Board, said he looked forward to next year’s Renaissance Faire. “We’re ready for next year.”