Thousands of people of all ages dressed up in their best medieval and fantasy costumes and gathered in Honoka‘a on Saturday.
The second annual Honoka‘a Renaissance Faire was a major success, with over 100 vendors and more than double the attendance from last year, according to the Honoka‘a Business Association.
HBA moved the faire to Honoka‘a Park to offer a larger outdoor venue after the first faire brought about 4,000 people to Mamane Street last year.
“We didn’t plan or intend for it to be bigger. We just put it out there and had a huge response, with about two to three times as many vendors signing up,” said Krista Graves, co-chairwoman for the event. “We had an early deadline for vendors, since we were working with the county, and we definitely needed that time to coordinate everything.”
Faire-goers spent the day walking around the various “kingdoms” featured in the park, where vendors sold their wares and offered activities to the adventurous visitors.
There were 14 live shows by local artists and entertainers, with performances like aerial silks, Irish music sessions,
fire shows and sword demonstrations.
“It’s so cool to see how many people show up and make it happen,” Graves said. “We do what we do by providing the foundation and structure, and then everyone else fills in — the vendors, the volunteers, the performers and all of the guests that show up in epic costumes.”
Brianna Ronayne, a member of HBA and owner of Rising Moon Apothecary, sold wares from her booth during the event and was excited to see how the faire has grown because of the hard work of many people.
“I feel like this is the only avenue for this kind of dress-up (in Hawaii), and that’s what makes it kind of special and fun,” Ronayne said. “I think we have a killer group of coordinators that put a lot of time and effort into this, and that work is trying to put Honoka‘a on the map for the whole state.”
Renaissance Faire enthusiasts can look forward to it each year, because HBA plans to hold the event every November.
“I had never been to a (Renaissance) Faire, but it’s amazing to see how many people love it,” Graves said. “I think there’s something about the magic and fantasy of it all that draws people. You can express artistry and imagination, and I think everyone needs that.”
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
