The Wonder elixir comedy team kept the crowd entertained at the CS Renaissance Faire. Photo by J. Reed.

By Judy Reed

The Cedar Springs Area Chamber kicked off their summer events with the third annual Cedar Springs Renaissance Faire last weekend.

The event took place in Morley Park Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Friday’s fun ended with the showing of the 1951 version of “Alice in Wonderland” in the park. Two more movies are planned for July and August.

There was entertainment all weekend, with concessions all day Saturday and Sunday. Actors, vendors, and several attendees were dressed in a myriad of costumes—royalty and swordsmen from the Middle Ages; fairies; Middle Earth; Victorian; and more. There was also a royal dinner on Saturday.

A woman in Victorian dress and an elf from Middle Earth were seen at the Ren Faire last weekend. Post photo by J. Reed.

About 20-25 vendors attended the event.

The Colony of Larpcraft was a big hit with the kids. They were able to go into a roped off area where they could pretend to fight each other with toy swords and other middle age weapons. They could also buy a toy sword to take home. Knockerball, which was there on Sunday, was also a hit with kids.

Kids had a blast playfighting with toy swords and other middle age weaponry. Post photo by J. Reed.

According to Chamber president Perry Hopkins, he was happy with the way the event turned out. “We put the vendors in a circle this year to improve traffic flow, which made the vendors happy, and more people turned out for the event, especially on Saturday.”

Hopkins said they had about 200 on Friday, 350 or more on Saturday, and 200-250 on Sunday. “It’s really hard to tell since we don’t have a gate or admission to enter,” he said.

“I want to thank all the volunteered to make it happen, those that did role playing, and those that came out and took part in it,” said Hopkins.

He noted that they plan to have it again next year, and that several vendors are already signed up to come back.

These guys did some sword fighting at last year’s Renaissance Faire.

June 10-12

The Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce will once again turn Morley Park into something out of the Middle Ages when they host the 2016 Cedar Springs Renaissance Faire, June 10-12.

The fun starts Friday night, with PiYo in the park at 6 p.m., and you can meet and greet the actors performing this year. At dusk, they will show a movie in the park. This year’s movie is the 1951 version of Alice in Wonderland to go with the 2016 Cedar Springs Renaissance Faire theme “Alice in Morleyshire.” This is a family classic so bring out the entire family. The Kent Theatre will be giving out free popcorn to the first 50 people just before the movie (which starts about dark). They will have other concessions and drinks for sale too.

The fun continues on Saturday with all day entertainment from noon to 8 p.m. and a Royal Dinner from 6-8 p.m. (Visit the Cedar Springs Renaissance Faire page on Facebook for more info on the Royal Dinner.) Sunday continues the fun, with all day entertainment from noon to 6 p.m.

There will also be vendor booths set up throughout the weekend selling wooden and steel swords, armor, natural remedies, essential oils, hats, masks, books, fairy items and more.

Returning entertainers for this year include Darkmore Colony of Larpcraft, E-leesa Gypsy Enchantress, Steal Lotus Dance Troupe, The Late Mountebank & Wonder Elixir of Life Company, Bell Book and Canto, Robin the Bard and new performances by The Fae of Norsey Woods.

Hopkins said they have over 20 vendor booths selling anything from steel swords, crafted armor, natural remedies, essential oils, hats, masks, wooden swords, hand crafted items, books, fairy items, dresses, and more.

Either come as you are, or dress up and join the fun! Hope to see you there!

Jordan and Abby Brink, along with their two dates – Alice in Wonderland rabbit Jim (Grandpa) and Mad Hatter Lon (Dad) came in full attire for the Daddy Daughter Dance.

Young ladies try their skills at limbo during the dance.

On February 11, CTA held its annual Daddy Daughter Dance, which was a huge success. The event has grown every year, as more and more daughters and their favorite men come to this event for fun, food, and DANCING!!! This year, “A Mad Hatter Tea Party” was the crazy theme. Each girl was given pearls, a teacup to decorate, and a special treat as she walked into the wacky CTA cafeteria! Also, every girl got on her feet and moved to the funky beats of the D.J.! A couple families pulled out all the stops to come in Mad Hatter/Alice in Wonderland attire and got really creative with their costumes! Donated desserts filled the room for a full dessert bar for the ladies and their dates to enjoy. Our staff and families went above and beyond to make this event a CTA favorite!