The Rome Art And Community Center, 308 W. Bloomfield St., will host Renaissance Revels, a Renaissance Festival and Artisan Market, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 25-26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Advanced sale tickets are available at www.romeart.org fpr $6 to $10. Children under 2 are free. Advanced sale discounts end Aug. 22. Tickets can be purchased at the festival for $8 to $12, and $1 off coupons can be printed from RACC’s event website.
Renaissance Revels features two stages of entertainment, including Shakespearean comedies, fire eaters, period musical acts, belly dancing, magic, sword fighting, side shows and martial arts. The main attraction will be two jousting shows each day, along with a chance to get up close to the horses and knights for questions and answers.
In addition, Fort Rickey Children’s Discovery Zoo will have a petting zoo on site.
Other attractions include a children’s Medieval Challenge Maze, an interactive Tea with the King show, Old Fashion Photo Booth and Medieval Games (Cannon Ball toss, Pillow Fight, Gem Mining, Pin the Tail on the Dragon).
Strolling characters provided by the Merely Players will entertain festival-goers all day. Period food vendors, sweets, and a Beer and Wine Garden will add to the merriment. A village of Renaissance vendors will be there for browsing and shopping.
"Renaissance Revels will be the largest event ever to come to Rome Art And Community Center," said Executive Director Lauren Marie Getek. "We are so excited to be bringing this world-class event here to our community. Why travel hours to experience the wonder and amazement of Medieval times? We are bringing a magical Renaissance Village right to Rome for the delight of our region."
All funds raised will help Rome Art And Community Center continue its mission of keeping the arts alive and well in Central New York.
Off-site parking will be held at the Berkshire Bank main branch parking lot on the corner of James and Dominick streets (across from Fort Stanwix National Monument) with shuttle bus service to the festival provided by Birnie Bus Service. Additional parking locations will be announced.
Renaissance Revels is made possible by the following sponsors: Oneida Savings Bank, NBT Bank, WUMX, and Bremer Hearing and Audiology. Additional support by First Source Federal Credit Union, Adirondack Bank, Adirondack Financial Services, McDonald’s, Berkshire Bank, Birnie Bus Service, the City of Rome, and Artworks by Donna Burch. Tourism grant provided by Oneida County Tourism. Event partners are the Merely Players, Fort Rickey and Parker Publishing and Entertainment.
Event details can be found at www.romeart.org, on the Renaissance Festival link.
