Ren Fest to stay put (for at least 15 years)

Rumors that regularly pop up about the Renaissance Festival pulling up stakes can apparently be put to rest – for at least 15 years.

According to a press release received today, Mid-America Festivals, the producers of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and the Trail of Terror, announce a new 15 year lease agreement, through 2023. The event is located just south of downtown Chaska, off of Highway 41.

“We are thrilled to continue celebrating and growing the tradition of the Renaissance history on a site we’ve called home for over 35 years!” stated Jim Peterson, President of Mid-America Festivals, in the press release.

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival began in September 1971 on a 22-acre field in Jonathan. More than 25,000 people visited the two weekend grand opening of the festival then named “A Celebration of Nature, Art, and Life!”

The celebration has since relocated to Shakopee and has grown to be the largest Renaissance Festival in the United States with more than 700 entertainers, 275 crafters, 120 food booths and an annual attendance of 275,000,” according to the press release.

This year’s Ren Fest runs weekends, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Aug. 16 through Sept. 28, as well as Labor Day and “Festival Friday” on Sept. 26.

Theme weekends for the 2008 season are:

A Silk Road: Discover the Riches! Aug. 16-17

Highland Fling! Aug. 23-24

Royal Ale Festival!, Aug. 30-31, Sept. 1

Irish Heritage! Sept. 6-7

Wine Gala! Sept. 13-14

Italian Carnival! Sept. 20-21

“Sweet Endings:” Chocolate and Romance! Sept. 26-28