Renaissance Faire held in Wallace basement

On Saturday, Nov. 9, a Renaissance Faire was hosted by the Wallace West Housing Area Team.  

While the event was hosted in the Wallace Basement, all students, not just residents, were welcome to participate in the fantasy-themed activities. Costume-wearing volunteers ran a variety of stations dedicated to face painting, flower crown building and tarot readings. There were also stations such as “Slay the Dragon” and “Stocks,” where a participant could use toy arrows to take aim at a drawing of a dragon for a prize or throw balloon “tomatoes” at a volunteer in cardboard stocks, respectively.  

At the event, refreshments were provided in the form of cheese, crackers and “potions,” glittery non-alcoholic beverages made with powdered drink mixes. The UI Fencing Club also made an appearance, explaining their sport’s values and traditions and demonstrating swordsmanship to the student audience.  

Students enjoyed the event, with tarot reading, flower crown-making, and a “cake walk”—every half-hour, students walked through various numbered positions to timed music, in a manner somewhat like musical chairs, for the chance to earn a miniature cake—appearing to be the most popular activities.  

“The cake walk – I won a cake, gonna eat it later, share it with people… that’s… [my] favorite part. The [Slay the Dragon station] was pretty cool, too,” said Antonio Osorio, a freshman Biology major that had heard about the event from a friend.  

Volunteer Gwyneth Peterson, a tarot reader for the event with multiple years of experience, said, “I was surprised with how many people showed up, and it was fun that, in the beginning, like, no one was there for the tarot cards, but in the very end everyone just came rushing in for all the readings. It was a lot of fun.”  

A currency for the event was introduced in the form of small crystal gems, which students could either gamble with or earn at the various stations. Prizes, including candy and fidget toys, were available in exchange for gems. A raffle was conducted for a set of Dungeons & Dragons dice, a goblet and a stuffed dragon.  

Cal Torres can be reached at [email protected]