Blackwell's Renaissance Fair grows with bright future ahead

Blackwell’s second annual Gem of the Chikaskia Renaissance Fair may not have reached the grand scale organizers had hoped for, but it certainly didn’t lack in heart, creativity, or ambition, nor did it stop Blackwell’s streets, stores, and hotels from being flooded by visitors over the March 29-30 weekend. 

The whimsical step back in time brought together around 1,000 attendees over its two-day run—700 on Saturday and 300 on Sunday. While those numbers marked a slight increase from last year’s single-day event, organizers had hoped for more.

“I honestly wish it was bigger than what it was,” said Nikki Barnes, Committee Director. 

“I think the weather played a big role in that. And I'm sadly disappointed,” Barnes said. 

There was no way that Barnes and event organizers could account for the dropping temps and severe weather that swept through town the last weekend in March.

Despite the letdown, the team isn’t discouraged. In fact, they’re already making big moves for the fair’s future.

One major change? A shift in both location and season. Plans are underway to relocate the fair to the Blackwell Fairgrounds and move the event to fall—either the last weekend in October or the first weekend in November—to avoid the unpredictable spring weather that has plagued the event two years in a row.

Even with the hurdles, Saturday was a shining example of what the Renaissance Fair has to offer. 

“Saturday was absolutely amazing! Everyone had such a fantastic time!” the organizer shared enthusiastically. Highlights included a wildly popular children’s jousting event, a vibrant costume contest, and the always-thrilling jousting matches—thanks in large part to the City of Blackwell for supporting the featured performer. Not to be outdone, a fan-favorite sword fighter once again stole the show.

Unfortunately, the fair had some unexpected competition this year. The arrival of a circus in Blackwell on the same weekend, along with PonCon in nearby Ponca City, likely siphoned off potential attendees. 

Looking ahead, the Renaissance Fair is entering a new era of leadership. Moving forward, the event will be organized by a newly-formed Board of Directors instead of the pageant committee. The board will include not only Renaissance performers but also vendors, ensuring a more balanced and inclusive approach to planning.

“Forming a board, relocating the event to the fairgrounds, and moving it to the fall will do nothing but improve the event,” the organizer emphasized with optimism.

Despite the setbacks, the spirit of the Gem of the Chikaskia shines bright—and with big changes on the horizon, next fall’s event promises to be the most enchanting yet.