Ishpeming Renaissance Festival: A Travel Back in Time

ISHPEMING HOSTS LOCAL RENASSAINCE FESTIVAL AND ART FAIRE

An Ishpeming Renaissance Festival participant demonstrates blacksmithing techniques from the middle ages. (photo by Ron Caspi)

Ishpeming, MI – Along the scenic banks of Lake Bancroft, each summer our local U.P. chapter of The Society For Creative Anachronism sets up a fantastical village inspired by the Middle Ages and Renaissance period of history.  This Saturday, August 1, 2015 you will have the opportunity to relive the Renaissance for yourself in Ishpeming from 10am – 7pm. The event is free and offers activities for all ages.

A mother and her children cook a berry crisp using the culinary tools and skills available in the Middle Ages.

The Renaissance Festival scene has grown from the backyard of a southern Californian schoolteacher in the 1960’s to a cult-like social trend across the nation and abroad as well.  What drives our fascination with the life and times of this period drawing hundreds of thousands of people to Renaissance Festivals each summer?

Perhaps it’s the theatrical flair and spirit they are put on with that excites our desires for entertainment. This and a curiosity to be more than a  passive viewer. These festivals allow attendees to join in the spirit and actually participate in this journey to the past.  Renaissance Festivals allow you to transport yourself to another time and place and experience what life was like during this particular time and place of human history.

A battle competition using weapons and fighting skills from the Middle Ages and Renaissance Period. (photo by Ron Caspi)

You can assume another persona and live out what you imagine their world might have been or if you prefer to sit back as a quiet voyeur you will have plenty of interesting characters and entertainment to keep amused. Either way you are welcome to participate to whatever extent you wish.

A dancer from the percussion ensemble, Log Jam, performs for the crowd during the Ishpeming Renaissance Festival. (photo by Ron Caspi)

Like the larger Renaissance Festivals and Faires held throughout the United States our local version includes demonstrations of battle techniques, blacksmithing, cooking, music, and games from the period. Members of the Society for Creative Anachronism, an organization dedicated to researching and sharing the arts of pre-17th century Europe, will provide historical information and lead the demonstrations and events throughout the day.  You can enjoy a casual and intimate day filled with activities for the kiddos, food vendors, artisan booths, and lots of entertainment.  They even provide loaner clothes for kids and adults who’d like to dress up for the day.

Kids can don protective gear and take turns battling at the Ishpmeing Renaissance Festival. (photo by Ron Caspi)

Lake Bancroft in Ishpeming, MI, the scenic location of our annual Renaissance Festival. (photo by Ron Caspi)

For those with an interest to get involved beyond this annual event the international non-profit educational organization, Society For Creative Anachronism gets together weekly in Marquette and Ishpeming to share knowledge and practice the crafts, arts, and experiences of the Middle Ages and Renaissance period.

For more details on how to get involved check these resources:

skerjastrondsca.webs.com

on Facebook search: Marquette SCA

by Ron Caspi

Ron Caspi has lived and worked as a photojournalist and visual artist for over 25 years. His travels have taken him from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea to New York, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and now Marquette. Caspi cares about what's happening in his community and the world at large and encourages others to express their opinions and take action!

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