NILES — The inaugural Niles Renaissance Faire will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 19 to May 20, at South Riverfront Park.

All ages are invited to join in the festivities through a variety of performances and vendors. Ongoing shows will feature pirate lore, Celtic and folk music, combat, magic, fairy tales and storytelling. Handcrafted items for sale will include jewelry, costumes, ceramics, wooden items, candles, soap, replica weapons and more. Food will be available for purchase. Various shops and restaurants downtown will also host specials for the weekend.

Why a Renaissance Faire in Niles?

“We wanted an event to showcase our beautiful riverfront region, to and give people a reason to gather and have fun here,” said Community Development Director Sanya Vitale. “For years, people have enjoyed the Fort St. Joseph Open House in this area and so we decided to offer another event where people can experience the past.”

Seasoned Renaissance Faire attendees may recognize some of the acts at the Faire, including Bell, Book and Canto and Theatrical Combat Network. Popular favorite Corvus Cohort will set up an encampment where visitors will discover what life was like in the past. The ever-engaging Ric Roc Zoo and Mother of All Dragons Training School will round out the entertainment.

For those who have never attended a faire, organizers say this is a great opportunity to step back in time and into the world of fantasy. Those who attend may meet a pirate, a princess, a knight and encounter other colorful characters from the past who entertain and educate.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to enjoy the shows. The event will take place rain or shine.

The cost to attend is $5 for adults, $2 for ages 5-12 and free for ages 4 and under. Seniors (65 and older) and military tickets are $3. Only cash will be accepted at the entrance gate. Keep up to date with current news on the Faire through the event’s Facebook page or at nileshistorycenter.org