PHOTO STORY: Annual Niles Renaissance Faire returns to Plym Park

Published 3:27 pm Monday, May 20, 2024

By Max Harden

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NILES — A popular festival returned to Plym Park Saturday and Sunday that invited guests to travel back in time to the days of yore.

Bards, knights, jesters, jailers and more could be found at the Niles Renaissance Faire this past weekend. 

Hosted by Wolfshead Productions, the annual event featured costumed re-enactors performing historical demonstrations, jousting and theatrical shows, music and dancing. 

More than 30 authentic craft and clothing vendors offered items for sale while food and drink was available from licensed food vendors. Games and other activities were also available for children.

According to event organizer Carrie Nyenhuis, the renaissance faire attracts guests from all over the midwest. The event is thought to have attracted approximately 3,500 guests, up from 2,700 last year.

“We see a lot of Niles citizens come in but we do see a lot of people coming from outside the area as well,” she said. “We’ve had people come from the Detroit area, the Chicago area, Elkhart. This year, I spoke to a couple that came from Indianapolis. We love that we can bring this to not only the citizens of Niles but also the businesses because people tend to stay and eat in town, stay at the hotel rooms and stuff like that. We’re really proud of what we’re doing for the city.”

A Renaissance era enthusiast of more than 20 years, Nyenhuis is happy to bring the faire back to Niles for the sixth time in seven years.

“It really warms my heart,” she said. “The best part of having a fair is seeing the kids come through seeing the joy on their faces. We make this a family fair so that we can see that. I’ve been doing Renaissance fairs for years, so the fact that we’re bringing all of these kids in and we’re making them love this as well is very important.”

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