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4th Annual Michiana Renaissance Festival is August 23rd & 24th at Kamm Island

 WVPE Public Radio is a proud media sponsor for the 4th Annual Michiana Renaissance Festival, located on Kamm Island Park in downtown Mishawaka, IN.   August 23rd and 24th transforms the island into a treasure trove of fun and educational things to see and do for the whole family.  The two day event is scheduled for 10am to 6pm both days and will take place rain or shine.  

There are four different re-enactment areas for the festival.  The first is Medieval/Renaissance, that is a celebration of the height of the 1500's to the 1600's; a time of internal peace, exploration, music and art.  Some of the highlights are the Gossamer Brothers Miracle Medicine Show, Fox Hunts, Royal Jail, Archery, Boffer List, Royal Court, and various musical groups.

The next re-enactments are for the Golden Age of Piracy, that immediately followed the English Renaissance and ran from the 1650's to the 1720's.  Focused mainly in the Caribbean, it began as nations vied for Spanish riches taken from South America. Privateering commissions were issued allowing ships to attack vessels from other countries.  Once commissions were halted, many privateers, now unemployed, turned to freelance piracy. Included in this era are The Knotty Bits Sideshow, Brethern of the Great Lakes, and a Pub Sing, among others.  The classic puppet show from the late 16th and early 17th century comes to life  as Wonder Puppets perform Punch and Judy for kids young and old. 

Vikingsof the Great Lakes set up a complete "Viking Village" with tents, cooking area, dining area, crafts displays, and a  trade blanket.  Members wear historically-accurate costumes and participate in period activities such as woodworking, blacksmithing, sewing,  weaving, cooking and games.  

One unique aspect of the fairy tale is that it need not involve fairies. What it does need is to inspire imagination and creativity. While this area subscribes to no particular genre or time period, you should certainly expect to see characters from the classic Grimm's tales. Dragons, ogres, gnomes, elves and more find a home here.  The Fantasy Quarter is meant to capture the essence of those parts of history that live on in our imaginations: adults and children alike.

Each area has exclusive exhibits shows and vendors.  MichianaRenFest.com has complete details.