I have sad news regarding the Washington Fantasy Faire, posted by Renaissance Magazine today.

Renaissance Faires News

Washington Renaissance Fantasy Faire Cancelled

There will be no sword-fighting, gypsy-dancing or wandering minstrels in Belfair this summer: Ron Cleveland's dream of bringing his renaissance festival to North Mason county came to a halt Monday...

Mason County has issued a moratorium on developing the property because the state's notice prevents the county from issuing and permits or licenses.

Because it will take months for Cleveland to get a zoning conversion, the fair is off for this year - and maybe forever. Not being able to hold the festival will cost him about $250,000 out-of-pocket, he said.

"I don't know what I'm going to do," Cleveland said. "This is putting me out millions. This may very well destroy me and most of the vendors."

Cleveland said he will try to refund the vendor's fees and presold tickets, but he's not sure if he has the financial means to do it right now.

The festival was held in Purdy for nine years, but that site had become too small for the approximately 80,000 attendees. So Cleveland signed a four-year lease and purchase option on the Pope Resources-owned property on Bear Creek-Dewatto Road.

The festival was scheduled for three weekends next month: Aug. 2-3, 9-10, and 16-17.

In previous years, the fair has drawn thousands of people from outside the state. Cleveland estimated the festival would bring more than $5 million to the community. In addition, Cleveland planned to hold other events throughout the year, including a Shakespeare Festival, a Dickens Festival and Civil War re-enactments. These events, many lasting for multiple days, could have brought as much as $45 million to $50 million to the area, he said.

North Mason Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Frank Kenny was a supporter of the project, touting the economic benefits.

"This event will be of value to not only the families that attend, but also to those who depend on the small businesses of North Mason," he said in an e-mail....

Bremerton resident Wesley Weaver was doubtful the problems associated with holding the fair would outweigh the benefits. Like Kenny, he thought holding a multi-day festival would boost local businesses. A longtime renaissance fair attendee, Weaver pointed to the success of a festival in Larkspur, Colo. The town bases its livelihood on the fair, he said, and holding a similar event could catalyze development in Belfair.

"Saying 'No, we don't want the millions of dollars the fair is going to bring to the community' is ludicrous," Weaver said. "It's self-destructive."

Complete article and pictures:

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/jul/14/permitting-reality-check-puts-a-halt-to-fantasy/ <http://www.admail.net/url/416491/3f96cb75/>

 So sorry...I wish I lived in Washington to know more or send support your way from MA

Her Majesty the Queen has requested your presence to attend The Maine Renaissance Faire in Milbridge, ME (yes, there are a few this year).

The dates are: July 26th and July 27th of 2008.

Hours are:

Saturday, July 26th: 11 am Parade, 1 pm to 8 pm Faire, with fireworks ending at 9 pm.

Sunday, July 27th: 9 am breakfast, 11 am to 5 pm Faire

Admission is FREE, (donations are accepted)

The original cast from Lebanon ME will be there, along with a few others including Bumbly and myself!

Hope to see you there!