The Ohio Renaissance Festival is set to kick off its nearly three-month run in Waynesville this weekend, with final preparations underway. Entertainment Director David Smith highlighted the extensive coordination required across the festival grounds, from parking to food stalls and vendor shops. He noted that the preparation process takes at least two months, emphasizing the amount of work involved.
Vendors, like Ana, who sells animal pelts, are also busy getting their shops ready and appreciate the educational aspect of their offerings. They are setting up themed storefronts and cleaning spaces that have been dormant, which can involve removing wildlife that has taken residence during the off-season. Kilt seller Kelly Melnick compared the behind-the-scenes efforts to the backstage workings of a theater, noting that much of the labor isn’t visible to attendees.
The festival runs from now until November 1, and tickets can be purchased online.
