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Business & Tech

Galloway Residents Come Out for First Renaissance Faire

The spectacle ranged from fire-breathing, armored temptresses to dueling rapscallions to wenches singing a cappella about the travails of finding a decent husband.

The was briefly transported to the golden days of yore as costumed actors and vendors selling Elizabethan-inspired garb descended on the town Saturday to celebrate the area’s first Renaissance Faire.

The faire featured a troupe of actors from Liberty Lake, who gave shows periodically throughout the day.  The spectacle ranged from fire-breathing, armored temptresses to dueling rapscallions to wenches singing a cappella about the travails of finding a decent husband.

For many local residents, the renaissance faire was a new experience.

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“I’ve never been to a renaissance fair,” said Mike Spagnola, the co-owner of , a punk-rock oriented boutique. “The people are great.”

“One of the wenches was dancing with our mannequin outside,” he added.

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While locals didn’t experience all of the usual staples that typically make up a renaissance faire–such as turkey legs and armored jousting—many first-time attendees seemed to be primarily impressed by the renaissance actors, who circulated about the town, mingled with shoppers, and never broke character.

“It reminds me of a Star Trek convention,” said Brian Johnson, the co-owner of the shop, . “[Smithville] is a perfect setting for it.”

Many locals were also happy to see more diversified offerings coming to the Smithville Village.

“There needs to be more art-oriented offerings," said Mays Landing resident Peter Dariexca. “That’s a downfall to the area.”

Things like the renaissance faire, he added, are “culturally good for growth.”

Galloway resident, David Dimmerman, who brought his daughter Elizabeth out to enjoy the day’s festivities, also noted how it’s nice to see Smithville offering more activities other than Mayfest and Oktoberfest.

When he first moved in to Smithville, Dimmerman said, the town only had a “handful of events.”

“Now it’s every other week.”

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