By SARAH RICHARDSON
Mountain Messenger
(Submitted photo)
FAIRLEA, W.Va. — On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the WVU Building at the State Fairgrounds was packed with people, some in full medieval garb.
The reason? An informational meeting, hosted by Taso Stavrakis and his partner Dawn Kieninger, about the upcoming West Virginia Renaissance Festival, scheduled to happen this June. The pair have been traveling around the country for 30 years attending and working at different Renaissance festivals, and have decided to open and operate one right here in Greenbrier County.
The fair will be located north of Lewisburg, on Route 60, close to Alta, and is scheduled to begin the weekend of June 9. The fair will be open Saturdays and Sundays through July 1.
Stavrakis and Kieninger own the 300+ acre farm near Alta, and live on the festival site. Visible from the road, locals have been curious for months of the unique building style and layout of the structures going up, but it’s now become apparent that the location is perfect for a Ren Fair. Ultimately, there will be room for jousting, live demonstrations, rides, games, food stands, musical performances, artisan booths, and more. There will be blacksmithing demos, fabric weavers, glassblowers, woodworkers, potters, etc., for attendees to observe and purchase goods from.
The event location will also be available for things like weddings and birthday parties. Themed weekends are being planned, as well as a possible Halloween party. Christmas activities, such as carriage rides, are under discussion, as well.
Read the entire article: https://mountainmessenger.com/first-wv-renaissance-fair-to-open-this-year/
See more from the Mountain Messenger