On Sunday, Apr. 23, Myths N Mules, Muhlenberg’s Dungeons & Dragons group, hosted “Jesters N Jousts,” the campus’s first ever Renaissance faire, in which Muhlenberg’s bravest, most valorous heroes could partake in an afternoon of live music, don the apparel of their favorite fantasy characters, enjoy themed refreshments and mingle with other fantasy fans.
Renaissance faires, also known as Renaissance festivals or Renaissance fairs, are a popular type of outdoor event that seeks to recreate the atmosphere of 16th-century European life. These fairs are typically held in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, although they have also spread to other countries in recent years. Renaissance faires are designed to be immersive experiences that transport visitors back in time to a period of knights, lords and ladies. They typically feature costumed performers, period-accurate entertainment, artisan vendors and a wide range of food and drink options. Attendees are often encouraged to dress in period-appropriate clothing, although this is not required.
“It’s been really cool to see how much our club has grown over the past few years, and to see the culmination of the community we’ve grown through Myths N Mules.”
-Emma Walter ’25
The event was held on the College Green, and featured a circular pattern of tables, with a stage in the center for live performance artists. On one of the tables, there was a selection of themed refreshments, including frosted, cone-molded cupcakes in the shape of torches.
“The faire was a wonderful community gathering,” said Josh Freeman ‘23, an attendee. “My favorite part was definitely the fact that I could see neighbors and local folks bringing their families to participate in the fun of the day.”
Live performances were held from student musicians throughout the afternoon, including guitarist and vocalist Matthew Robertson ‘23, vocalist Oy Adebajo ‘24, vocalist Ella Rolin ‘25 and more.
“Jesters N Jousts” featured art stalls, where student artists had the ability to sell and showcase their original works. Myths N Mules expressed in their advertising that 20 percent of all proceeds from vendors would be given to the Second Harvest Food Bank, a non-profit organization dedicated to a twofold mission of supplying those in need in the Lehigh Valley with sustenance and providing educational assistance and supplies to local schools.
“Jesters N Jousts was sufficiently medieval with prices no peasant could afford,” said Madi Leonard ‘24, a faire attendee. “Inflation also affects the serfs it seems.”
Emma Walter ‘25, the diversity, equity and inclusivity chair of Myths N Mules, said, “This has been a pipe dream of ours since our conception in 2020. It’s been really cool to see how much our club has grown over the past few years, and to see the culmination of the community we’ve grown through Myths N Mules.”
