By Alayna Een
On August 26–28, 2022, corset-clad ladies, knights of every order, artisans, and history fans made their pilgrimage to the Thanksgiving Point grounds in Lehi, Utah, for the Utah Renaissance Faire. This all-ages and abilities event is an annual favorite for families and adults alike.
This year, the busy Faire boasted ten unique areas, each with different activities and vendors—so there was sure to be something for everyone! You could accept a quest from the Tudor royalty or tricky Sea Nymphs, try your hand at Viking games, explore a pirate ship, and more. The Faire hosted incredible performers and shows of all kinds so that groups such as the Knights of Mayhem, Phenomenal Fire, Salt Lake City Crusaders, and Studio C—each a headliner in their own right—could unite to present an unbeatable entertainment scene to fairgoers. Perhaps the most popular and awe-inspiring events were the daily jousting tournaments, complete with lance-shattering action, and the nightly fire dancers. But the smaller productions in the Globe Theater (Masters of Dueling, Cobb&Co., and Punch & Judy) and throughout the park were charming and satisfying as well. I especially enjoyed seeing the play and dueling performances, sitting in on a lecture of ancient weaponry, and writing a sonnet with William Shakespeare. With these events happening in half-hour increments over the course of the Faire, there was always something interesting to do or see.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of a Renaissance Faire is the atmosphere of canvas, costumes, royalty, daring, and magic, and the Utah Renaissance Faire had this charm in spades. This Faire was an exceptionally well-attended event, evidenced by the fact that it ran out of wristbands on its second day. I loved seeing the effort and creativity evident in the most intense costumes—high Tudor fashion to satyr getups—and how this contributed to the merriment of all fairgoers. People came in an array of costumes that created an atmosphere where every level of dress felt appropriate. The setting was charming, with tents clustered into neighborhood areas and the colorful maypole in the center of the grounds.
The food at the Faire included the ubiquitous turkey leg and tankard of root beer, of course, but I enjoyed seeing the other delicious and thematic food offerings lining the Royal Pavilion, the cleverest of which was The Fat Fryer. Other vendors at the Faire busked everything from dice to daggers, fortunes to furs, and handcrafts to corset backs. The nearly endless variety kept fairgoers swirling around the tents all throughout the Faire, finding treasures to take with them upon their return to the modern world.
The Utah Renaissance Faire celebrates its tenth season this year, and the Faire has its eyes on an exciting expansion project for future seasons. The Faire is seeking a permanent home in a larger area where it will be able to host events and Renaissance revivals year-round. Huzzah! Check out the Utah Renaissance Faire website to read more about these plans and find out how you can get involved!
August 26–28, 2022 (10th anniversary)
The Utah Renaissance Faire website
The Utah Renaissance Faire Facebook page
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