DENMARK – One might imagine a DeLorean being used as a vehicle to traverse the highways of time; or perhaps something dreamed up by Jules Verne.
Instead, the humble SEIBUS — three of them, actually — picked up groups of people in 21st century Denmark (Iowa) and dropped them off in a fantasy version of Renaissance-era Scotland last weekend.
A.J. LeMaster stepped onto the bus in regalia of her own design.
“I actually run a section in the Hannibal Steampunk Festival,” she said, “so I have a whole arsenal of different stuff. So we just put it all together.”
She said underneath her wig, she has a mohawk.
“I’m actually more Mad Max wasteland,” she said. “I didn’t have enough hair so I took a wig and made a birdcage and put birds in it.”
The Denmark Iowa Renaissance Faire was the first faire she’s ever been to.
“Pretty much all of this was just ‘hey, I’m a procrastinator and I need an outfit for tomorrow,’” she said.
After disembarking people were greeted warmly and admitted to the faire. It was striking how there were no sounds of automobiles or other modern sounds found even in the smallest of towns. (Aside from an occasional, strident ringtone).
Vendors’ tents lined the broad, grassy path toward the first stage. Everything from swords and corsets to baubles and books and more were available for purchase.
Visitors and participants alike were dressed in anything from holey jeans and t-shirts to store-bought costumes or outfits, to small pieces of ren faire flare, to full, one-of-a-kind regalia.
The path continued to the first stage of three. At that stage, one could witness ‘Molotov’ and his “Stoopid Human Tricks,” Cockatoo Encounter Bird Edutainment, Drums of Glory drum circle, and on Sunday, Miss Mary’s Merry Miniatures and knightings by the Scottish royals.
Visitors then descended a hill into which railroad ties were placed, forming a staircase. Then one entered the territory of the royal pirates, with more vendors, food and more.
Highland Games had been planned for this space, but due to a scheduling conflict, that was unable to happen. Nevertheless, people of all ages had the chance to try games such as the caber toss — lifting and throwing a tall, heavy wood pole.
The roguish Pirate King encouraged and/or teased participants, reminding one that his young daughter boasted about his strength and he’d better not disappoint her. That fellow dropped the caber backwards and had to try again.
The gracious court of the Scottish royals, King James and Queen Joan was a must-stop before proceeding to the space occupied by the Guardians of the Black Forest. If one was respectful and polite toward the nobility, one was offered a piece of new world chocolate candy. The veil of time and space is thin in this area, and it’s best not to wonder how modern day trick or treat favorites were acquired.
This living history encampment had a lot to keep visitors busy, including sword lessons, fighting a knight, crafting, interacting with historical displays, taking a picture with the Guardians captain, trying on armor, learning about weapons and listening to the witchy story time.
At Black Forest stage 2, along with all-day living history, were Guardians of the Black Forest sword duels, knighting ceremonies for kids with the Guardians, Blame not the Bard traditional Celtic music, and “War at Four” with the Royal pirates.
After descending the slope of another hill, stage three was at hand, within eyesight of the Skunk River.
At Riverside stage 3 were the Incendiary NPCs fire show, sea shanties with Sir Singsalot, circus pop bubble interactive show, and rat pucking/golf.
The scent of food quickly lured in hungry visitors, with a menu including traditional faire fare such as turkey legs.
After ascending the stairs, returning to the first stage, one had another chance to sit and rest and take in a show before heading past the vendors, a small pond and returning to the entrance.
Katrina Vincent, one of the faire’s founders, said the day had been going very well thus far on Saturday afternoon.
“I’ve been worried about today but everything is good. People are happy, there’ve been no problems, everyone has good things to say. People are going all the way to the back. It’s good. Everything’s actually good,” she said. “I want everything to be perfect. But it’s close.”
Indeed, the weather could not have been more perfect than if it had been conjured by a wizard.
The SEIBUS ride had significantly more swords on the way back to Denmark than on the way to the faire.
The inaugural Denmark Iowa Renaissance Faire experience was held Saturdya and Sunday, Oct. 19 and Oct. 20.