Gilroy
– Crafts-minded lords and ladies who want to set up shop at the
next Renaissance Faire can get on-line applications this week at
norcalrenfaire.org.
Gilroy – Crafts-minded lords and ladies who want to set up shop at the next Renaissance Faire can get on-line applications this week at norcalrenfaire.org.
Returning vendors are given priority, with new applicants selected through a “jury” process. Preference will be given to unique crafts or other items that enhance the theme of the Faire. Applications will be accepted through April 1.
Faire artisans work in blown glass, woodwork, keen blades, armor, chain mail, leather-work, hand wrought jewelry and sculpture.
Applications for auditions to be a performer in this year’s fair will be available in April.
The Faire’s short history in the South Valley has been a troubled one. A year ago, the Renaissance Entertainment Corp., the company that put on the fair and others like it in San Bernardino, Chicago and New York, pulled the plug on the northern California show, citing falling attendance and a precipitous drop in revenue.
But unwilling to let the fair die, and convinced that they could do a better job, the show’s actors and vendors rallied together to form a new company.
The new owners have won rave reviews from Casa de Fruta management, who believe that Play Faire is much better equipped to make the Faire a success.
This year’s Faire will be the second put on by Play Faire Productions, which claims to be the only participant-run fair in the country. Last year’s Faire attracted 41,600 customers, only half the crowd it needs to draw to remain financially viable, according to organizers.
Play Faire CEO Lisa Stehl has said that if attendance doesn’t improve dramatically this year, the Faire will likely leave Casa de Fruta.
The Faire is scheduled to run for six weekends, from Sept. 10 through Oct. 16. Tickets, $20 for adults and $10 for children younger than 12, will go on sale through the Web site in May.
