An idea that was halted due to the pandemic in 2020 is finally coming to life in Chenango County in 2023.

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Those looking to be transported back to the days of dragons, fairies, and daily life in medieval times will be excited to learn that a brand-new Renaissance Festival is coming to the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich the weekend of Labor Day, September 2 through September 4.

The idea is the brainchild of Norwich resident Heather Baker whose husband loves to attend Renaissance Festivals and suggested to her that there might be a way to bring a Renaissance Festival to Norwich.

Although the initial plans were brought to a halt in 2020, Baker and her husband continued to work toward their goal of bringing a festival to their home community and started an LLC. With help from others in the Renaissance Festival community, the couple told NY Upstate that they are ready to launch their own experience.

Visitors to the Upstate Renaissance Faire at the Chenango Valley Fairgrounds should expect to find vendor booths that include items such as locally made soaps, chainmaille clothing, and more.

SEE ALSO: 40 Reasons You’ll Fall in Love With a Renaissance Faire

Although the Upstate Renaissance Faire will be modeled a bit differently than other Renaissance Festivals, there will be some familiar faces seen at other festivals, including Merry Mischief.

Baker told the Evening Sun that although admission will be charged for the Upstate Renaissance Faire, it will be reasonably priced "I want to have a good time... I want...a family to come and not have to spend half of their life savings just to go to the faire."

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Baker also has a goal to find a property in Chenango County where she can expand the Upstate Renaissance Faire into a permanent thing and incorporate a learning aspect, "I’d like school groups to come and learn things, have Boy Scout troupes come camping so it’s more than just an entertainment venue."

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