History Club Visits Renaissance Faire

On Sunday, Sept. 8, Centenary University’s History Club attended the Renaissance Faire held in Sparta, NJ.

Dressed as a court jester, Noah Haiduc-Dale, associate professor of history and club moderator, led the merry group of students, including Elizabeth “Liz” Sandlin, club president, Nick Gorab, former club president, Mike Danza, Tanner Keyes, and I, on an adventure to meet the new generation of knights– the theme of this year’s faire. 

“It was a wonderful way to start the school year,” said Haiduc-Dale. “It gives us a great time to spend together and get to know each other.”

“It’s also become a great recruitment tool for the club,” said Haiduc-Dale. “We go every fall during the first few weeks of school. All are welcome, so mark your calendars for next year!”

Renaissance festivals have joined the fall line-up of fun fairs and festivals to attend. The Sparta Renaissance Faire celebrated its 7th year at Camp Sacajawea in Sparta this year. Medieval and sometimes fantasy themed, this festival is filled with entertainment, shopping, food and fun activities. Faire goers can explore local vendors, demonstrations, reenactments and more over three weekends in September.

Whether you’re a commuter or a resident, the fun isn’t far away! Located at Camp Sacajawea, 251 White Lake Rd, Sparta, NJ, it is less than an hour from campus and offers many engaging activities, including creating your own candle.

If you are a theatre arts major, you may recognize that I based my candle on the Broadway musical Six, which tells the story of the six wives- each represented by a different color- of Henry VIII, who reigned during the Renaissance.

Theater majors would also enjoy the comedy shows featuring a Shakespeare impersonator. He parodied “Macbeth,” “Beware the Ides of March,” and “Hamlet” in his own humorous style, requiring audience participation to help him tell the stories.

Other faire participants included none other than Harry Glaser-Baker, a CU history department alum, who is part of the Viking Encampment. Vikings and lords and ladies? Well, we did say this was also fantasy themed!

The Renaissance Festival lasted only three weekends in September, and the History Club attended on the first. If you’re an underclassman, you can always go next year. Seniors, you have your whole life ahead of you to attend as well. 

Lords and ladies, I highly recommend you attend this event whether you’re a nerd or simply looking for a day of bacon- wrapped turkey legs, jousting, and fun.  

“The trip that the History Club took to the Renaissance Fair was an incredibly fun experience!” said Sandlin. “Everyone seemed like they had a great time.  It was an enjoyable day for all, and we hope to go again!”

Jodi is a freshman undecided major here at Centenary and a club member of The Cyclone Chronicle. This is her very first story to be published.