By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
The Del Rio Renaissance Faire returned to the Whitehead Memorial Museum with more than 1,000 patrons attending on Friday, Oct. 9, and Saturday, Oct. 8.
The Renaissance Faire is inspired by medieval time periods and 16th century European aesthetics and traditions. The event attracted vendors and guests who dressed as peasants, knights and fairy tale-themed characters for a two-day event filled with food, refreshments and entertainment.
Haven Mancha, event organizer, said the festival had a total of 1,200 patrons attend for both days, which she added was a bigger turnout than its previous year. Mancha mentioned the turnout was “phenomenal,” especially with the big wave of people who showed up on Saturday.
“A grand thank you to everyone who came out and to the vendors for being (at the festival),” Mancha said. “I want to
thank our audience for being here and supporting us, especially while other events are happening simultaneously . . . we wouldn’t be here a third year in a row without them.”
The Renaissance Faire had 18 vendors in attendance selling food and merchandise. Myles Kent Jakubowski, local carpenter and returning vendor, sold walking canes and other merchandise he acquired from past renaissance festivals he attended. Jakubowski said he enjoyed the Del Rio event because of how “small and unique” it was compared to other festivals he attended.
One of the newest additions to the festival was the inclusion of a petting zoo brought by Miner Farms. Christine Miner, organizer of the Miner Farms’ petting zoo, said it had been “a lot of fun” to be part of the event this past weekend and seeing people in costume. She said the rabbits were the biggest attraction they had.
Several vendors who sold food took part in the festival and sold meals to fit its atmosphere. Adrian Romero, chef and owner of Pastries and More, said he and his family were selling food for their third year at the festival and mentioned how much they enjoyed dressing up for the event. Romero, who was dressed in a traditional styled chef uniform, was making pizzas in a small oven, which he said was a new addition to their menu at the event.
The Whitehead, which has used its venue to host the Del Rio Renaissance Faire for three years, was also selling turkey legs and various alcoholic beverages such as Dragon’s Milk. Michael Diaz, executive director at the Whitehead, talks about how they enjoy being part of the event and how the organizers do a good job of “bringing this fantasy world to Del Rio.”
