The idea of wearing medieval costumes outdoors in Florida’s swell summer is enough to sweat anyone. So, husband and wife teams, Adam Derrans and Whitney Hayes, dreamed of their own indoor renaissance fair.
Magik and Mythk Festival landed at Osceola Heritage Park this weekend, with air-conditioned spaces within 56,000 square feet, including over 200 vendors, live entertainment, costumes, sword fights and photo manipulation. The family-friendly celebration encourages guests to “escape the reality and the fiery heat” when the event begins on Saturday at 11am.
“My wife and I are big fans of Renfair. In Florida, all shows take place in January, February, March, which means they’re all happening at the same time. “People invest a lot of money in these outfits for the show. I thought it was cool to hold events indoors. There, you can have people bring out costumes and celebrate similar styles without raining or getting brave.”
While the indoor shows miss the trees and outdoor vibes, Delanchet and Hayes worked to create photo shoots with mermaids, fairies, wizards and bird birds. Additionally, event organizers sought to capture a typical Renaissance fair side.
“We really tried to distill the essence of what made Renfair a Renfair. The first thing we came up with was food and drinks. We have a full bar. There are turkey feet and lots of fair food inside the event center,” DeLancet said. “There are some folk bands in music and entertainment, there are belly dance groups that come out. There are pirate bands.”
Although horse hanging was too difficult to promote indoors, guests can see the battles of Mythic Adventures larp and Entertainment from Pirates Dinner Adventures, in addition to Crossroads swords, harpists, violinists and wandering bards. Visitors can even meet life-size dragons.
Visitors wearing themed clothing can participate in costume contests that start at 4:30pm and include a $100 prize per category.
The event is the culmination of months of planning and hard work by Delansett and Hayes.
“My wife and I went out to almost every Renaissance festival in the state over the winter. We took some notes, met up with the vendors and got some good contacts,” he said. “We definitely leave a lot of research and time alone.”
There’s more things to do
Leu Gardens’ National Honey Bee Day invites the public to learn about the bees of UF Master Beekeeper Chris Stalder. Items related to honey and bees are sold in cash only. The event from 9am to 3pm on August 16th is included in the admission fee ($15 for adults and $10 per child) at 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando. Details: leugardens.orgThe Thornton Park area is hosting its 11th year miniature golf pub crawl. Golfers can alternate participating companies to drink. The event also includes gifts and an after party in the reindeer room. Tickets cost $17.85 online, or $55.20 for a 4-pack. Check-in will be at 431 E. Central Blvd, a TPD circle near the Beer World, from 4pm to 6pm on August 16th. In Orlando. More information: Eventbrite.com Mennero American Museum of Art hosts a photography workshop with John Baker, a professor at the Creed School of Art. Baker will share the history of photography and composition framing alongside the museum’s “Pool Party” exhibition. Tickets cost $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Participants will be required to bring their cameras or mobile phones to the event at 900 E. Princeton Street in Orlando on August 16th from 1-3pm. More details: Mennellomuseum.org Florida Native Plant Sales are hosted by the Florida Native Plant Association’s Caplet Ferme Chapter at the Sanford Garden Club this weekend. Visitors can learn about the importance of growing native plants in Florida and return home. The free event will be on August 16th at 8:30am to noon on Sanford’s 200 Fairmont Drive. More information: Facebook.com Oviedo Mall’s Festival of the Arts: Animal Kingdom sells artists and creators for artwork and family fun with paintings, sculptures, photography and handmade products. The event will be held on August 16th at Oviedo Mall Boulevard in 1700 from noon to 6pm. At Oviedo. More information: Facebook.com
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If you’re going
The Magik and Mythk Festival will be on August 16th from 11am to 7pm on the 1901 Kissimmee Chief Osceola Trail. Tickets are $16 per adult (before the price). Children under the age of 13 can enter for free. On-site parking is $15. This event allows props, but bans actual weapons. No pets are permitted except for registered service animals. More information: ohpark.com
