For the second time, the Fairgrounds at Fuji Park will be transformed into the 16th century village of Pembrooke for the Pembrooke Renaissance Faire.
The smell of roasting meat will mingle with tunes from the entertainers, interrupted by the ping of the blacksmith's hammer connecting with the hot metal.
The event takes place from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
The fair includes more than 50 vendors showcasing everything from clothing and jewelry to a variety of services available in the 16th century.
One of the biggest draws will be the jousting competition, put on by the Knights of the Azure Cross.
"It's full contest jousting," said Sean Kiernan, of Emerald Rose Productions. "It's unchoreographed. You don't know who is going to win. It's who is riding the hardest and doing well that day. The jousting is a must see at the faire."
Emerald Rose Productions, run by Sean and his wife, Natasha, saw the need for an event like the faire several years ago and decided to organize one. The couple has always been interested in the Renaissance and wanted to make an historically accurate faire for the people of Carson City.
"We had people call and ask if they can set up a booth and we always ask, 'would they have that or could they make it in the 16th century?' If the answer is no then we don't think they should be included," he said.
In addition to the scheduled events - jousting, blacksmithing and the May Pole dances - there will be more than 1,200 performers wandering the grounds interacting with each other.
"It's like you've stepped back in time and the performers don't see you. They are interacting as they would in a village," Natasha Kiernan said. "But don't be afraid to go up and ask questions or interact with them. They have a lot of historical knowledge to share."
The ongoing story taking place during the festival revolves around Queen Elizabeth and a potential suitor, The Earl of Leicester Sir Robert Dudley. Dudley is attempting to woo the queen and gain the English throne while Thomas Howard, the Duke of Norfolk and queen's uncle, does his best to stop Dudley.
A group of privateers - pirates with permission to pillage - has also docked its ship, complete with a 40-foot mast. They offer a glimpse into the life of 16th century seafarers.
Two stages will feature a variety of acts including Tobias the Adequate, the Naughty Minstrels and the Babylon Babes.
There is also a treasure hunt available beginning when the park opens. Maps are available for $5 and the first person to return to the ticket booth with the treasure will receive a prize.
More than 30 local groups are expected to participate and raise money for their organizations. A portion of the ticket proceeds from the faire will go the Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada.
"People don't realize how much is going on. You can come when it opens and if you do everything offered you won't be done by the time it closes," Sean Kiernan said. "So leave the cell phone in the car, relax and have some fun."
• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.
If you go
What: Pembrooke Renaissance Faire
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Carson City Fairgrounds/Fuji Park
Price: $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 5-12 and children under 5 are free. Students and seniors are $5 with a valid ID
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