'There's something special about this place and what's happening here'

From wizard hats that Gandalf would be proud of to potions strung on thick leather belts, the Oregon Renaissance Faire beckoned to curious travelers – and travelers of all kinds answered.

For Aaron Turley, his girlfriend and several friends, heeding the call of this year’s incarnation of the ORF was all they had on their minds.

And judging by the dearth of parking spots in two different parking lots at the Clackamas County Event Center in Canby, this group of Portland wizards, faeries, and knights were in good company at the event’s opening weekend.

“We are so grateful for Canby for accepting us with wide, open arms. We care so very deeply for this community,” said Shana Casey, marketing director for ORF. “First weekend was a success – even with the weather. Huzzah to all those Oregonians who came out to celebrate with us this first weekend. It is only going to get better from here. Join us next Friday for an epic dance party.”

While Saturday welcomed visitors with sun and warmth, Sunday threw revelers a little weather twist, the kind Sauron would use to thwart the hunt for the “one ring.” But much like Samwise and Frodo, a little change in the weather wasn’t going to dissuade visitors to Canby from their quest – to mix and mingle with other folk in the Vale of Dunrose who find the Oregon Renaissance Faire something special.

“Oh, we don’t care what the weather is,” said Turley. “We’ve been here when it’s baking hot and when it’s pouring rain and the vibe is always the same – fun, welcoming and a pleasure to be part of. Wouldn’t miss it.”

The faire has undergone plenty of changes since it first touched down in Canby, and organizers continue to tweak the feel of the event, including adding a new Friday night musical concert each week, revamping the after-party on Saturday nights, expanding the grounds for more artisans to ply their trade, and much more.

The thing that makes the event so unique, said Turley, “is that there’s so much to explore throughout the faire. It’s not only fun, but also extremely interesting, which I think adds to the fun you have. We’ve been coming as a group for a few years now and we look forward to it. There’s a fun anticipation as we get into May, knowing this is coming up. We love it.

“And most the people who are here love it, so that just adds to the overall positive vibe,” he added.

Cassandra Cummings and her husband drove over from Gresham for the day. She sported elf ears, a flowing cloak, and walked with intricately carved staff, while her husband enjoyed the freedom of a kilt adorned with a dagger.

For this couple in their early 50s, the Oregon Renaissance Faire is a chance to explore their whimsical side. Both are accountants for major corporations in the valley and admit that dressing up in cosplay (including talking with semi-British accents) has turned into a stress reliever they didn’t know they needed.

“We had no idea where this would lead,” Cummings said. “We had a couple of friends who cosplayed, and we used to kind of look at each other side-eyed about it. Initially, we thought ‘Why would we want to do that?’ Well, they talked us into it about 10 years ago and it was eye-opening. For a weekend we just get to be someone else enjoying someplace else. It is incredibly freeing, and I don’t think it is a reach to say it has strengthened our relationship. We’ve also met wonderful people, developed relationships we had no idea we’d develop, and just given ourselves over to it.

“If you’re curious and a little afraid to try it, my advice is dive in with both feet,” she added. “The cosplay community at these things is incredibly welcoming and kind. That’s my Ren Faire advice.”

The Oregon Renaissance Faire will saddle up its knights for battle again on June 8-9 and 15-16. June 8 is sold out, but there are tickets available for the other days, as well as tickets available for the Friday night concerts and the Saturday night after-parties for both weekends. See what’s available at https://www.oregonfaire.com.

“There’s something special about this place and what’s happening here,” Cummings said. “Rain or shine, the people come, and they have a great time. Who wouldn’t like to feel that?”