Q.C. Renaissance Faire Comes to Davenport

One of America’s most unique city parks will now host the third annual Quad Cities Renaissance Faire on September 29-30th (11am to 6pm). This regional event will be established at Credit Island Park, a living history site in itself, after running at two locations on the Illinois side of the river. 
  The old Lodge on the island, recently restored for future use, will serve as the entrance area to a world of history appreciation and theatrical fun. Most of the festival will spread out on the east side of the island’s trail grounds, with some activities and shows taking place inside the “king’s royal lodge.”
  This ‘family fun fest’, produced by Gregory Schmidt of Iowa-based Festivals International, will include three stages of professional touring acts, three living history encampments, an artisan merchant village, food court, traditional games of skill, Medieval lawn games, children’s faerie realm, and hands-on demonstrations.
   Some of the entertainment hi-lights will be sword battles by troupe Warwick, music by recording artists Orckes & Trolles, magic shows by Bobert the Great, highland games demos by Clan MacSwade, dark ages folklife with Olskipan Vikings, royal ceremonies with Stulto Mori, comedy theater entitled Highland Marital Mayhem, participatory comedy improv by Scenery Changes, and a calligraphy station offered by master artist Lady Cheryl. There will also be one-hundred inter-active village characters and various offerings of interest to all age groups.
  The public is encouraged to dress in period clothing in order to win prizes at the costume contests.
  The current plan for the Quad Cities Renaissance Faire is to continue expanding the festival into a larger spectacle with both Spring and Fall versions, and helping enhance the public use of Credit Island Park.
  Admission for adults is $10 (with a $15 two-day pass), $5 for kids from 5 to 15 and tots free. Parking will be free.
  Event details can be found at www.quadcitiesrenfaire.com with inquiries going to gregfest@cltel.net. There is also an active Facebook community where additional information is shared.