By Adele Burnett
A quick look at a rehearsal offers a hint of what’s coming: a man sits tuning a lute while two people juggle. Behind them, a contortionist is stretching to prepare for her bit.
A woman dressed as a milk maid calls the cast into order, and the entire crew bursts into activity—song, dance, comedy all flow into a panoply of excitement.
The Merely Players of Upstate New York are all ready to conquer Inlet’s Adirondack Renaissance and Fantasy Festival in Fern Park on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12.
The Merely Players are just part of the fun to be expected in this free-admission event.
So far, the Renaissance Group Arethusa, known to play over 40 different instruments in a set, are booked to perform.
And the lovely and thrilling fire-eating act Admo Ignis is confirmed.
Shakespeare himself, gypsies, pirates, fairies, belly dancers, puppeteers will perform.
Dragons and dueling knights will be part of the excitement.
Expect Fern Park to be transformed into a place of wonder and merriment as beautiful music fills the air, Lords and Ladies pass by, following the Goodly Queen.
If you bow properly, you may even get knighted! Expect to be surrounded by excitement at all times!
Tim Parker, of Parker Publishing and Entertainment, has been a performer at fairs for years.
He noticed that every year the ticket prices went up, and the attendance went down, so he started thinking about how to make these festivals accessible to more people.
“It is a little ironic that the people who enjoy these fairs the most aren’t always able to make the journey and pay the high fees. I thought there had to be some way to let more people in on the joy.”
He started the successful Mayfaire on the Green in Holland Patent by encouraging local companies to sponsor performers in exchange for being included in the advertising and other promotions.
Providing them with an audience at the fair gives them a unique opportunity to associate their brand with a joyful memory.
The process was successful enough that he was able to do away with admission altogether.
Currently the group is seeking more sponsors so they can bring in more talent. Vending spots are also available.
For vendor or sponsorship information, contact Parker at (315) 865-8990.