Last year, New Hope Academy held a trip to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. The trip was a massive success, so this year the trip was held again, but this time things were different. At the fair, there were going to be many competitions between schools, including a choir competition, and NHA was competing. Excitement was high as the NHA choir practiced for weeks leading up to the competition.
Much too early in the morning, students gathered in their renaissance appropriate outfits. Students dressed in a variety of outfits, like Phoenix Ferguson (‘28) who dressed as a jester and Ethan Garcia (‘27) who dressed as Rengoku from Demon Slayer. Students readied for the drive, and after a lengthy van ride, students split into groups and went off to explore the faire. Some groups went to attend a falconry demonstration, but members of the choir nervously waited by the stage for their turn to compete. When NHA’s turn arrived, they performed “Weep O’ Mine Eyes” for the crowd.
Gianna Ward (‘27) and Jai Schwimer (‘27) worked together in the heraldry competition. Participants were tasked with designing a shield split into several sections, each displaying a quality of their school. Gianna and Jai chose an owl to represent the founder of our school, Kathy Ganna, scales to represent fairness, a butterfly in reference to Chrysalis, and masks to symbolize acting and the theater department. Additionally, letters in each corner spelled out REAL and a lamp was placed on top as the school symbol.
In addition, Miro Drudis Sanchez (‘26) participated in an art competition. Miro won this competition last year, so it would be nice to have a winning streak. Those participating were tasked with creating a piece of art with a selected theme, this year’s theme being love. After much anticipation, results were announced, and Miro had officially won for the second year in a row.
With all events at their end, students were free to explore around. The first targets of many were the variety of shops. There was jewelry, foam swords, and even puppets available for sale. Science teacher Dave Howell enjoyed watching human chess, and specifically how the events of the game would culminate in a climactic event at the end of the day. Some students even went to visit the Torture Museum, or ride the daunting, giant boar. Students like Derek Roach (‘28) said that they returned to where the falconry demonstration was held to see the birds again.
Lunch time soon arrived, where students were soon to find that getting food was more difficult than it seemed. Due to the popularity of the Renaissance Faire, food lines took upwards of half an hour. Derek got a pretzel, which he very much enjoyed, but said it was the only food he was able to get that day. With food eventually acquired, some students settled down to watch the sirens perform their songs. They sang about anything that came to their minds, at least, the mind of a renaissance era woman.
The long day of fun was reaching its end, and the warriors of the human chess game were about to face off in a medieval joust. Seemingly everyone at the faire gathered, as good and bad took their sides, and fought to the death in an epic final battle. There was betrayal, rows of fire, and even explosions that scared some of the students. It was a hit with the students, but some still voiced their grievances. Alex Stankavage (‘30) said that he enjoyed the show, but was somewhat disappointed that it was the same as last year. Phoenix enjoyed performing similar reenactments in her free time, so she was not entertained by watching yet another renaissance reenactment. At the end, it was time for NHA to leave. Goodbyes were had, and students left knowing they had experienced their day to the fullest.
ehaddock@newhopeacademy.net
