Spring is here after a long winter and if you want to frolic around the maypole in celebration there’s a place.
This weekend’s 44th annual Moscow Renaissance Fair features live music, arts and crafts booths, kids activities and an array of nonprofit food vendors. So, don your flower crowns and linen breeches and turn thine eyes toward what this year’s fair holds.
Parades and dancing
The Renaissance Fair Parade billed as, “a joyous trip through space and time,” is 3 p.m. Saturday in the park. People are invited to join the Maypole Dance at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday near the volleyball court. A Kid’s Parade begins at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the youth stage.
Arts and crafts
Crystals, flower essences, fairy accessories, jewelry, yard art, clothing, pottery, soap, toys and chocolate are just a few of the things an expected 110 vendors will be selling at this year’s fair. Vendor booths are open until 7 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday, rain or shine.
Music
From Irish and reggae to blues and rock, there’s an eclectic variety of live music on tap. Bands start at 10:20 a.m. Saturday after the fair royalty’s welcome ceremony. Regional headliners include the Howling Gaels from Coeur d’Alene with traditional Irish, English and Scottish music at 2 p.m. Saturday, and reggae musician Jus Wright of Spokane at 5. The Boise band Hillfork Noir will close out the festival with hillbilly blues they call “junkerdash” at 4 Sunday. Locals on stage include Landrace, Gefilte Trout, Smokin’ Mojo, Shiloh and the Young Guns and others. Music goes until 9 p.m. Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday.
For the Kids
The Kid Village features an Obstacle Course, the Power Jump, and a youth stage with visits by the Washington State University Raptor Club and Spokane Magician Dick Frost at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Food and Drink
Cannoli, crepes, wood-fired pizza, gyros and Chinese and Filipino food are just some of the dishes you’ll find at the food court run by area nonprofits. A beer garden will be located near the main stage. Aiming for zero-waste, only compostable tableware will be used and recycling is encouraged. A public water station will be available to fill reusable water bottles. Food booths will be open until 6 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday.
If You Go What: Moscow Renaissance Fair When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday Where: East City Park, Moscow Cost: Free Of Note: No dogs or alcohol are allowed.
