Dona Ana Arts Council prepares for COVID-safe Renaissance Faire in Las Cruces
LAS CRUCES, N.M.M – The Doña Ana Arts Council has been hearing from a large number of people who are excited about the return of the Renaissance Arts Faire to Young Park on November 6th and 7th. The hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The Arts Council is expecting a big turn-out given the long months so many have had to restrict their ventures out from their homes and given the opportunity this presents to be outside and safely part of an iconic event.
Since the RenFaire is mostly outside, masks are encouraged but not required for the open air venues, but anyone riding the bus to and from the parking available at Mesilla Valley Mall or entering the Silent Auction or the Queen’s Court tents will be required to wear a mask. Patrons of all ages are also encouraged to keep several feet distant from other patrons at the event.
Patrons are also asked to note that there is very limited parking near Young Park with new bike lanes now open on Nevada Avenue, but the parking lots at the DACC Training Center and Rawson Builders Supply on Nevada will be open and available. There will also be remote parking in the west parking lot of Mesilla Valley Mall with bus service between there and the Faire both days.
Out of respect for people who live in the neighborhoods near Young Park, patrons are asked to use the parking lots mentioned above to avoid congestion and blocked guest parking in the neighborhoods.
New this year will be a living chess game with players from several of the local high school chess clubs. There may be some interesting costumes worn by the players and some intriguing moves on the board.
Due to unfortunate water conditions this year, there will be no canoe rides on the lake, and Magellan, the Young Park Dragon, will be on dry land for the first time. However, other familiar and new activities will be happening with the Queen’s and the Crimson Bear Courts, on the Main Stage, in the Children’s Realm, over at the Jousting Field, around the lake, and at the Dragon’s Eye Tavern.
The Society for Creative Anachronisms, the Order of Epona, Frosty Locks, Pied Piper Minstrels, Randy Granger, and Chris Mitchell will all be back along with a number of returning and new vendors. Of course, a wide range of victuals will be available to keep patrons’ strength up.
Both the Renaissance Arts Faire and the Doña Ana Arts Council celebrate fifty years in this community in 2021. The Arts Council has issued the invitation as a golden opportunity to bridge cultures, appreciate the arts, and have fun.
The Arts Council supports and promotes the arts as both part of a thriving creative economy and a source of community pride. DAAC Board meetings occur on the fourth Thursday of most months. Please contact Executive Director Greg Smith at 575-523-6403 for more information.
This article originally appeared on Deming Headlight: Dona Ana Arts Council prepares for COVID-safe Renaissance Faire
