DOWAGIAC — The campus of Southwestern Michigan College will be transported back in time as the SMC Renaissance Faire returns to the college’s grounds and welcomes valiant knights, jolly jesters and authentic turkey leg feasts.

SMC will be hosting its third annual renaissance faire this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the college’s intramural field behind the student activity center.

“It’s the biggest one we’ve done so far,” said Branden Pompey, assistant manager of SMC’s student activities center.

Staying consistent with last year’s attractions, a troop of belly dancers, Ruby Jazayre and the Sisters of the Niles will be at the campus. The Sentinels of the Rose will be engaged in live steel combat for two shows of full-armored sword on sword fighting. The Swords of Valour, a comedic theatrical group, will also be at the event doing a couple of skits.

New to this year’s event, a Viking group will be introducing a whole section of Viking-themed and medieval activities.  The group will have an axe and knife throwing activity for SMC students, which will be a big attraction, Pompey said.

The same group is also hosting smaller sessions on how to do Celtic braiding, cooking and basket weaving. The group will also be running its own jail and setting up a vendor’s booth to sell some of its wares, — furs, horns and different jewelry.

Pompey said a popular event at last year’s faire was The Lake Milton Raptor Center. Representatives brought with them birds to teach the history of falconry and how in the medieval times people used birds of prey to hunt for food.

“It’s big. We’ve got bagpipers, and we have people that are going to be fully dressed up in costume,” Pompey said. “It’s free admission, free parking for everybody, and it’s open to the public. We hope we have a good turnout.”

At last year’s event, Pompey said 200 to 250 people attended, including students, faculty and a large number of community members.

As faire goers walk around, they might also see Pompey himself dressed in period appropriate attire.

“I’ve enjoyed my time in the past, going out to different Renaissance festivals,” Pompey said. “I bring out my costume, have a sword on my hip and everything. A costume is not required, but wear it if you have the ability or want.”

Pompey said he feels the historical element of a renaissance faire, like SMC’s, has a lot of history to teach people. It also gives students a chance to interact within their college community.

“It gives the opportunity for people to let loose right as we are getting to the beginning of the school year,” Pompey said. “To be able to interact with staff and faculty in that same environment, I think is really important.”

As the Renaissance Faire continues to become an annual event, Pompey said the student activities center has developed partnerships with the groups that participate. This year, the Viking group, who is hosting numerous activities, heard about the college’s faire and wanted to get involved.

“Our fair is small,” Pompey said. “It is something we are doing because we have a passion for showing off this side of entertainment and interactivity with our students,” Pompey said.