LEWISBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Each summer, residents of the Mountain State are afforded the opportunity to be transported to a land of mythical beings, kings, queens, jugglers, jesters, and more through the annual West Virginia Renaissance Festival.
Presented by the Hanlon-Lees Action Theater and Hollow Hills Farm and tucked away at 23439 Midland Trail East in Lewisburg, WV, the recurring festival attracts both guests and performers from all over the state and beyond upon touching down in Greenbrier County each year.
Those unfamiliar may consider such gatherings to be niche in nature, appealing only to those connected culturally by an overlapping interest such as Dungeons & Dragons or cosplay performance. But the West Virginia Renaissance Festival is truly an event at which essentially guests of all ages and backgrounds are guaranteed not only to enjoy themselves, but also to find themselves captivated by the awe-inspiring and deeply committed work of the performers involved.
The location of the festival does not lend itself to reliable cell service, and while this may be the chagrin of many potential attendees, one would be remiss to allow this to deter them from the event. In fact, the removal of the modern-day distraction contributes to the experience at large, removing a significant hindrance to one’s ability to immerse themselves in a world lost to time.
The festival boasts attractions, activities, and entertainment in spades, with areas of the expansive festival grounds sectioned off to accommodate various amenities offered through the event.
Numerous dining options are available to guests, along with an array of vendor stands offering everything from t-shirts and Henna tattoos to medieval-style musical instruments and everything in between. Vendor stands aren’t the only places guests can expect to see and hear some beautiful instruments, however, as a litany of musical performances can be enjoyed at various areas throughout the grounds at any given time.
These dedicated performers – many of whom demonstrate their expertise on harps, lutes, and other delightfully archaic instruments – play as part of organized shows, off in sectioned off areas, and improvisationally along walkways to the delight of those in attendance.
The performances available for viewing at the WV Renaissance Festival are undoubtedly a highlight of the experience, with outrageous feats, close-up magic, and even in-person jousting featuring live horses in a dedicated area at the center of the grounds are sure to leave those who attend in awe.
This writer would specifically recommend making time for Gravity Check Juggling, which sees performers Kyle and Ken demonstrate highly skilled craftsmanship and feats of daring within the context of their own amiable comedy shtick.
Escape room-style mazes face painting stations, and a playground area are sure to appeal to the little ones, as is the petting zoo area which features friendly goats and chickens – the latter of whom essentially roam the premises unchecked and unbothered by the excitement surrounding them at every turn.
The West Virginia Renaissance Festival returns each weekend throughout the month of June, and will be making its way back next on Saturday, June 17, 2023, for its Beer & Barbarians themed weekend for Father’s Day. The themed weekend will feature special tastings of local brews in the Lakeshore Pavilion as well as a friendly barbarian costume contest.
Those interested in learning more about the West Virginia Renaissance Festival website or check out the WV Renaissance Festival Facebook page.Â