Renaissance Festival closes with rain, shine, and magic

By Lauren Rodgers, RealWV

On the last Sunday of the Renaissance Festival, magic was in the air. Rain and sun fought against one another in the sky — intermittent periods of rain coated sun-worn shoulders and deep green leaves in an ultralight sheen. As the rain fell, women popped open their lace parasols and Victorian-inspired umbrellas as others sought cover under the draping leaves of nearby trees. When the sun made its predictable return, the wooded backdrop of the fair transformed into a high-contrast landscape, casting deep shadows and spectral highlights upon the fairgoers’ rain-kissed skin.

The celebratory energy of the day could not be hindered by unpredictable weather. Classic festival performances continued jubilantly — fire breathers danced in the rain, and medieval musicians drummed in unison. Children romped in the mud on their way to the petting zoo and eagerly waited in line for a unicorn ride. Knights continued their sword fighting; the comedy act of a pirate duo spurred raucous laughter from a large crowd watching their last act. Mystics offered their services in tarot divination and palm reading.

In the fair’s final hours, a sense of preliminary nostalgia seemed to sweeten the air. Cast members took their final bows, relishing the last moments of this year’s festival. Shimmering fairies attempted to sell what was left of their pink and white carnations. The dark clouds had shifted, and white tufts of cloud took their place against a bright blue sky. As the sun resolved into a gentle glow, attendees began to slowly make their exit, not to return for another year.