Welcome to a place filled with knights, pirates and musketeers. Where friends and family can go back in time and see what it was like to walk, talk and eat just like in the Renaissance.The idea of a Renaissance Faire in the East Texas area began in 1994, as Four Winds Renaissance Faire opened its gates for the first time with only three stages and a small tent village on 15 acres at the Vizcaya Ranch near Tyler. It has grown much larger, adding permanent vendor booths, eight staging areas, a wall with towers and gates enclosing the faire grounds, a large concession building, fully equipped handicap-accessible restrooms, two dining pavilions, and a nearby campground with RV hookups and shower-house/restroom facilities.The Four Winds Renaissance Faire, owned and operated by Dustin and Kristen Stevens, is now in its 15th season of turning back the hands of time for the community. With so much to do and see such as the many sword fights, re-enactments and jousting tournaments, it keeps tourists and locals coming back for more.Mr. and Mrs. Stephens and a group of committed individuals have worked together to realize his dream of a world of castles and knights, all in a picturesque 17th century setting, Stephens said. This hidden world is located outside of Whitehouse.One unique aspect about this faire is that they allow the visitors to be completely part of everything that is going on. It is a hand-on experience.”I liked feeling like I was a part of the story,” Sarah Goodwin said. “My favorite part was probably the sword fighting and also because I was chosen the lady of the fight.”One of the more interactive booths at the faire is the Blacksmiths booth. Shaddowhawk blades owned by Charles Adams have been in the business of making custom knives and battle weapons for 26 years.”To the best of our knowledge, we are the only interactive blacksmith shop in the country,” Adams’ wife, Sarah said.When people start to gather around the Blacksmith booth, that is when the demonstration begins. Many times during the day, they will choose someone standing in the crowd to make their own hair stick, which is a weapon designed for girls to wear in their hair. It not only looks nice, but it can also be used in case of an attack.”Four winds was really fun, I thoroughly enjoyed it, I would definitely go back especially with a date or a friend but its also something a whole family would enjoy,” Goodwin said.The Faire is fun for the whole family with a little bit of something for everyone including rides, magicians, the jousting team and games of skill. Some of the time period food offered includes turkey legs, spicy sausage, stuffed Irish potatoes, fresh fruit, cheesecake and other delectable treats and soft drinks.Four Winds is open every Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. During the weeks of Feb. 28 to April 19 with each weekend hosing a new theme. The most upcoming theme is the Masque Ball and April Fools Fest, which includes a masque ball and feast March 29 from 9 p.m. to midnight and an April Fools on March 30 in honor of jesters and makers of mirth.Four Winds Faire is located 11 miles south of Tyler on Highway 110 S. between Whitehouse and Troup. Tickets are $12 at the gate for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. Free parking is available. For more information please visit their website at http://www.fourwindsfaire.com
