Celebrate the Small Things is a weekly celebration created by VikLit and now hosted by Lexa Cain to celebrate the happenings of the week, however small or large. You can learn all about it and sign up for it here. 
This week I’m celebrating Renaissance Faires! I spent last Saturday and Sunday at the first (and hopefully annual) Ren Faire in Stowe, Vermont. The Faire was good-sized with over 60 vendors (including me!) and lots of medieval-style entertainment. There was a huge turnout, much higher than what was expected. And what was really neat was that many of the people came in full medieval costume despite the 90+ degree temps.
My kids had a fun time exploring all the wares and watching the various performances — singing groups, archery demos, equestrian games, armored combat, and even jousting! I got to see some of them, but mostly stayed at my table. I sold 13 books — a personal best for me at an event — and handed out tons of book cards, which turned into a few more purchases online, judging by sales reports. For the first time, book sales covered the event fee. Whoo hoo!
Photos courtesy of my kids:
The Ladies of Integrity, Aristocracy, Repute and Society, aka The L.I.A.R.S.
Unicorn!
The Brotherhood of the Arrow and Sword
The Silver Knights Joust Team — Spearing the Hay Bale
The Silver Knights Joust Team
Can’t wait until next year!
What other celebrations are going on out there?
© Lori L. MacLaughlin and Writing, Reading, and the Pursuit of Dreams, 2016. All rights reserved.
Writing, Reading, and the Pursuit of Dreams 
That looks like fun!
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It was a lot of fun! And it will be even bigger and more fun next year!
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That looks super fun! I’ve never had the opportunity to go to a Ren Fair, but I want to go so bad! I’ll have to see if they exist up here in B.C….
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There’s a big one over in New York state that I’ve been wanting to go to for years. It’s a five hour drive, but it would be totally worth it.
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The fair must’ve been fun. My sister and brother in-law love those Medieval Fairs. They even had a Medieval theme for their wedding. it was beautiful. Happy weekend.
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Their wedding must have been lovely. I love medieval costumes. Happy weekend to you, as well!
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Awesome you got ahead with sales! Sounds like a great event and hope they have it next year.
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I hope they do, too! I think they’re planning on it.
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I used to do Renfests all the time in NY and Penn. I really got into designing and making the Medieval costumes. I’m so glad to hear you sold a bunch of books! Go you! 🙂
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Thanks, Lexa! Making the costumes must have been a lot of fun!
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Sounds like fun! I’ve never been to a Ren Faire. I don’t even think we have them in NZ… I’ve never heard of one, but maybe they call them something else here.
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If they don’t have them in NZ, they should. They would fit right in with the Hobbit and LOTR sites.
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Fancy seeing a real unicorn! I think there was an episode of The Big Bang Theory at one of these festivals. Looks great fun.
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Ha, ha, yes, my daughter and I both liked the unicorn.
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Oh wow, that looks like so much fun! Congrats on your book sales 🙂
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Thank you! We had a great time!
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I love the unicorn! What a fun event and congratulations on the book sales.
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Thank you!
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It’s been a long time since I went to a Renaissance Faire. For a while I went every year–and had a ball. Then, time slipped away.
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Unfortunately, time has a way of doing that. I’d like to go to more Faires. Hopefully I’ll get the chance.
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