Mayfaire set to transform Sahalee Park

Sahalee Park is soon set to transform into a Renaissance festival filled with flowers and fairies. The large oak trees will be filled with banners and flowers for the first, and only, Renaissance festival in Madras. The Madras Mayfaire will be held on Sunday, May 19 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Sahalee Park.

The event is the brainchild of fantasy enthusiast Nova Papasodora, co-owner of The Black Bird Tea & Tales, a bookstore and tea shop in Madras.

“I personally love Renaissance festivals and have visited others in the state every year since I was little,” said Papasodora. “I wanted to bring that fun, whimsical energy to Madras.”

The festival will be the only of its kind in Central Oregon. While a few other Renaissance festivals are held in Oregon, none are on the east side of the Cascades.

“I hope it attracts people from all over to Madras, and connects them with this community,” said Papasodora.

The festival will be full of classic Renaissance favorites, like costume contests, a magical market and jousting, along with a Maypole dance, and interactive characters. Special guest and Madras mayor Mike Lepin and his wife April will serve as the King and Queen of the fair. Bend Axe throwing will also be present, along with blacksmiths, artisans, and jewelers.

Guests will be able to complete scavenger hunts and quests given by the king, with interactive characters to question to complete each quest. In the spirit of May, there will also be a Maypole dance in the park.

Black Rose Kitchen and Red Beard Barbeque will be serving a special menu themed for the event, and there will be alcohol available in a section of the park.

A costume contest is also being held, with prizes from local businesses. Papasodoras’s shop is also full of costume items and inspiration before the fair begins.

“We want people to come out and have a fun time, dance, dress up, and enjoy themselves,” said Papasodora. “You can be a knight, a fairy, a king, a maiden, anything you can dream of.” Papasodora has plenty of costume inspiration on the event’s Facebook page.

While this is the first event of its kind in Madras, Papasodora hopes to continue growing it in future years. The event is free, and open to all. Parking is limited street parking, so walking may be necessary. The event is being hosted by The Black Bird Tea & Tales and the Madras Downtown Association.

More information can be found by searching 2024 Madras Mayfaire on Facebook.