All you can say about a world where faeries, kings, Vikings, wizards and artisans gather joyfully and eagerly is that it is a blessing, indeed, that they find a corner of Oregon to spread their positive vibes. The Oregon Renaissance Faire in Canby, Oregon doesn’t have a long history, but in its relatively short time landing at the Clackamas County fairgrounds, it has made an impact – not only on the area, but on the people who make it a point to attend.

I am one of them. I’ve been attending the ORF since it first hit Canby in 2016. At that time it was a one-weekend event with hopes that there would be some interest. It didn’t take long to realize that the heart of the Willamette Valley was a perfect spot for a Renaissance Faire as attendance that first year prompted a move to two consecutive weekends in June the next. It would be only a few more years before the event expanded to three weekends, and later add after-parties on Saturdays, and this year Friday night renaissance concerts. To say it has been a wild ride would be an understatement.

Bee cosplay was in vogue at this year’s Oregon Renaissance Faire in Canby, Oregon.
Provided by: John Baker

From weekends ablaze with hot temperatures to rain, wind and cold, the faire has prospered and grown. It has changed and met new challenges with a happy heart and willing soul. And through it all faire-goers have kept coming to the event. They’ve reveled in the showers and dealt with the sweat in a way that is both impressive and joyful. And I think that’s what has struck me through it all – the unbridled joy people bring to the event.

This year’s Oregon Renaissance Faire ran June 1-2, 8-9, and 15-16 at the fairgrounds. Booths upon booths of artisans were spread out through the wooded area of the grounds, a pair of pubs slaked attendee’s thirsts, and interesting entertainment of all kinds was there for the enjoying. One weekend or three, the Oregon Renaissance Fair has always generated a vibe that letting oneself fully give into life in the Vale of Dunrose is a chance to find a little freedom.

Unique musical instruments were part of this year’s Oregon Renaissance Faire in Canby, Oregon.
Provided by: John Baker

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.”

There were pirates prowling the grounds at ORF this year.
Provided by: John Baker

As I’ve worked my way through my 50s and stepped into my 60s, I’ve come more and more to realize that events such as comic cons and Ren Faires are that “happy place” I didn’t realize I needed until I finally ventured forth. Time and attendance have also shown me that being in these environments, with these fabulous people, lifts my heart in ways that few other things ever have. The cosplay is magnificent, the kindness is everywhere, the joy is palpable, and like the Cummings above, it is place where unexpected relationships can be forged or strengthened.

The short truth I’ve come to understand as I’ve watched knights joust, birds of prey fly, and artisan chocolate call to me, is that the nerds and pop culture folks have it right. They come, they unleash this dream inside themselves, and just live in those hours at an event like the ORF with a gusto that is inspiring. And that fills my heart, and the hearts of many I’ve talked to at the ORF, with a joy that is both refreshing and renewing. I mean, I’ve seen a woman train cats to do some amazing things, things that would seem to contradict my natural thought process about cats not giving a damn.

Entertainment of all kinds is part of the Oregon Renaissance Faire in Canby, Oregon.
Provided by: John Baker

But there they were, performing like they actually had an interest in things. Who’d a thunk it? But that’s one of the little delights of the Oregon Renaissance Faire – it’s tucked into a small wooded area in a small town in Oregon and just going gang-busters, thank you. Folks cosplay with the level of passion they wish to throw at it, Star Trek fans show up in droves, and I believe there was even a pope sighting this year. And with the close of this year’s event, nothing was more certain to me than knowing that I’ll be there next year for a couple sessions, and that I’ll be grateful to feel what I feel right now.

Gonna be in the Pacific Northwest later this summer or even next year, the group that puts on the Oregon Renaissance Faire in June, puts on an even bigger Ren faire in July. Five weekends in late July and early August for the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire in Snohomish, Washington. Check out their respective websites at: http://washingtonfaire.com and https://www.oregonfaire.com.

Follow me on Instagram: @bakeratthecon and @threeifbyspace.

Like us on Facebook or Subscribe

Share this article using our Social Share buttons above