ARRINGTON, Tenn. (WTVF) — The annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival is just one month away, but this year will usher in some changes.
Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department will be operating the Tennessee Renaissance Festival for the first time in more than 35 years. The Freemans were the primary operators from the beginning.
The Freemans donated this festival to Williamson County.
The festival is a business that has copyrights, and now the county has a contract with the Freemans that allows them to continue to be a part of it for the next 10 years.
Hampton says the Freemans will be consultants and they will also have some vending rights.
Willamson County Parks and Rec director Gordon Hampton said fans will enjoy everything from jousting to pirate shows, knighting ceremonies, a marketplace, rides and food.
It's a journey back in time to a 16th century English village. Since the late 1980s people from across the country visited the grounds of Castle Gwynn in Triune.
"This event is so unique in that it allows people maybe the one and only chance in the state of Tennessee to appear out in public in some of the costumes and the alternative personas that some of these people have."
Hampton said not much will change but there will be no alcohol.
"With the Tennessee Renaissance Festival now being a county event, Williamson County government doesn't coordinate the selling of or serving of alcohol at county events."
Hampton said he doesn't see this stopping families from showing up in large numbers.
"Because it's so unique, and there's only one opportunity in Tennessee each year to dress and become a part of the 14th and 15th century, I think they're going to be here regardless."
To learn more about the rules or purchase tickets, visit the Tennessee Renaissance Festivalwebsite.
RUN DATES FOR THE FESTIVAL
- May 7-8
- May 14-15
- May 21-22
- May 28-29 plus Memorial Day
