Montana's First Faire: Making History by Exploring History

This year marks the first ever Montana State Renaissance Faire, a custom that has developed all over the world that finally makes an appearance in the Treasure State. The event consists of two weekends, back-to-back at the end of July and is hosted at the Majestic Valley Arena outside of Kalispell. This last weekend was the second Renaissance Faire I've ever attended, the first being the Midsummer Faire in Washington state. The original Facebook event was created only two months ago, leaving very little relative planning time, but that didn’t stop there from being a massive relative turnout. Even in spite of the fact that there was a light quantity of stalls who could plan for the event that quickly, a majority of those who attended left happy—even wearing their Renaissance gear about town. Camping sold out for the first weekend and several of the merchants ran through a good portion of their wares even on the first day. Overall, the proceedings were very popular with the locals—as well as others from across the state.

Performances were incredible across the board, from musicians to illusionists. The main presentation: the Jousts, brought to Montana by Wisconsin-based company, Debracey Productions. The entire event of a Renaissance Faire is intended to be a Live Action Play in which the audience (attendants) can interact. The hosts, entertainment booths, and dubbed royalty all have to put their best face forward and help to immerse everyone there to help create a throw-back atmosphere. Aside from the occasional Square Pay interactions, I myself very nearly forgot to take pictures, only taking out my phone twice during the entire weekend. Needless to say, immersion was very nearly complete—at least to the point that I felt like I was back in my childhood before the overtake of technology.

Historical knowledge is intrinsic to the entertainment. Not only does it recreate accuracy, but the knowledge helps to entertain and educate attendants to the Faire. The crafters and vendors possess a thorough knowledge of their wares and the history of their craft and are more than excited to share this history with their patrons. Performers are most excited to discuss the ins and outs of the history of their reenactments. Knowing the history of fabric usage and studying the artifacts of the Middle Ages and Renaissance era help with the vendors’ crafts and gives them interesting and unique stories to talk about with their customers. As with my previous experience, this event’s turnout did not disappoint in that respect.

The centerpiece entertainment of the Renaissance Faire this year was very easily Debracey Productions’ performance in their three-times-daily Jousts. Each subsequent performance throughout the day told another piece of a storyline, concluding with an end-of-day combat session—at least it did on the first Sunday. The Jousting events were simple, yet impressive, with everything from ring catch to the typical of what is portrayed in jousts in television and movies. All the actors had an incredible chemistry and terrific audience interactions in addition to having skilled horsemanship. I thoroughly enjoyed the performances of all in the troupe and was greatly impressed by their stage combat prowess. Their enjoyment of what they do was evident and that only added to the thrill of immersion that this group provided.

All around this was a fantastic run for the first Montana Renaissance Faire. I feel confident after the last weekend—which I attended—as well as the attendants seen about town this weekend that this will be the first of many Annual Renaissance Faires for the state. It is likely that next year’s event will be far bigger than this one, just based upon the popularity with those who were able to plan for it this year. It would be incredible, as well, to see another year of performances from everyone who was able to make it out for the Faire as well, from the “Tallest Leprechaun” magician and the bagpipe band to the Salt Lake City Crusaders and Maypole performer, I cannot even begin to list everyone and how impressed I was with all their effort and excitement. I especially hope to see the reappearance of Debracey Productions and their jousting antics and enthusiasm. Making Montana history could not have been more exciting or popular as we took a weekend—or two—diving into a land an ocean and up to seven centuries away. Events like these remind me that history first-hand is not merely something I enjoy, but is popular among many people, young and old, city or country. Events like these are why I love history.

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Bibliography (for further reading):

DeBracey Productions. DeBracey Productions, LLC., 2018. http://debraceyproductions.com/.

"Entertainment." Montana Renaissance Faire. 2021. https://montanarenaissancefaire.com/entertainment/.

Montana Renaissance Faire. 2021. https://montanarenaissancefaire.com/.