NILES — From comedy to sword fights, magic and folklore, the city’s second annual Renaissance Faire promises people a taste of history and fantasy rolled into one.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19 in Riverfront Park South. The cost is $5 for adults and children 13 and up; $3 for children 5 to 12, veterans and seniors and children 4 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased on site. The money raised will support faire costs and future events.

Those who attend can stroll the park grounds and see a variety of performances, including comedy, Celtic and folk music, and combat. There will also be a chance to shop a variety of retail and food vendors, selling jewelry, costumes, ceramics, wooden items, candles, and soap, to name a few.

Children can take part in a scavenger hunt, which will lead them on a quest to knighthood. The popular jail cell will return this year to assure justice in the realm. Comedian Ric Roc will also retake the stage.

Event organizer Carrie Nyenhuis said she started working with the Niles History Center last year to bring a Renaissance Faire to Niles.

“This is definitely a family type of event where people of all ages young and old can come and have fun, no matter what,” Nyenhuis said.

While there will be plenty of mythical characters to enchant visitors, those who attend can also learn about history. 

Historical re-enactors Corvus Cohort will return to give people a demonstration of life as 16th Century Gallic Mercenaries in Ireland.

There are also several new elements on tap this year, including a host of new vendors. Faire officials are working to secure one local vendor to serve alcoholic beverages potentially. Additionally, faire officials will conduct a first-time costume contest. Nyenhuis encouraged people to get in the spirit and put on their best Renaissance Faire garb.

For Nyenhuis, the Renaissance Faire has allowed her to pursue her passion for both history and fantasy. In addition to helping coordinate the event, Nyenhuis will attend the Renaissance Faire dressed as Queen Kiriel.

For Nyenhuis sharing this magic with those who attend is the best part.

“My big thing with the festival is interacting with the people,” she said. “I love to play that character and see the kids’ eyes light up when they get knighted.”

Despite rainy weather, last year’s event successfully drew about 750 people to Niles to participate in the Renaissance Faire. Nyenhuis is hoping to see even more people at this year’s event.

“This gives the people of Niles a nice place they can go and do something with their family that they won’t get everywhere,” Nyenhuis said. “We wanted to bring them something that was extremely affordable.”

Those interested in participating as a vendor, performer or volunteer can contact Nyenhuis at (269) 683-4700 ext. 3021 or email NilesCDBG@nilesmi.org