Renaissance Faire attractions lineup growing

GATE CITY – A fundraiser for the Scott County Library is becoming a fair for all seasons. The Renaissance Faire, organized by the Friends of the Scott County Library, now has 'weapons' demonstrations, theatrical troupes, artists, food, nature exhibits, games and 18 other vendors. The Friends organize regular fundraising events to support programs and events at the Scott County Library, said Library Director Victoria Lewis, and the Renaissance Fair follows in that period's celebration of knowledge by supporting additional storage for library books, materials and donations. The Faire runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Gate City's Grogan Park. Eighteen vendors and an assortment of exhibitors has signed on for the event, Lewis said. The Faire will not reenact Renaissance-era food preparation, she added, so visitors can enjoy delicious food to the highest state standards of health. Lamplighter Theater, Mountain Misfits Theatre Company and Appalachian Legends and Lore will provide cutting-edge 15th and 16th century entertainment throughout the day, said Lewis. Faire-goers with more martial tastes can enjoy period weapons demonstrations, fire-spitting and 'fights' courtesy of Everblade Academy. "(Everblade) will also feature the first-ever female gladiator match in North America at the faire," Lewis said, "and Highland Axe is also coming." Visitors can also get back to nature courtesy of a reptile display by Bays Mountain Park and a display of pelts by Natural Tunnel State Park. Photo opportunities will be available for visitors using period costumes. Imagine Fostering and Hope House of Scott County also will staff tables at the event. Lewis said donations of materials are welcome, and donors can call the library at (276) 386-3302 to arrange a time. Faire admission is $1 and free for ages 5 and under. All proceeds will go to the Friends of the Library for the library storage project. Grogan Park is at 441 Park St. Facebook:- &emsp;&emsp;Friends of the Scott County Public Library- &emsp;&emsp;Scott County Public Library