WAYNESVILLE, Ohio — The Ohio Renaissance Festival returns to Waynesville this weekend for its nearly three-month run, with organizers and vendors completing final preparations before opening day.
Entertainment Director David Smith said getting the festival ready requires coordination across the grounds, from parking areas to food stalls, costume rentals and vendor shops.
“It’s making sure everyone’s busy and doing what they need to do,” Smith said.
Smith said the preparation takes time and planning before visitors arrive.
“It takes a good two months at least to start that process and get everything going,” Smith said. “So there’s a lot to do.”
Vendors are also working to prepare their shops for the festival. Ana, one of the vendors setting up, said the work can be demanding but is part of the process.
“It can get a little hectic, but we enjoy it,” she said. “We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t.”
Ana said her shop sells animal pelts while also teaching visitors about conservation efforts.
“I like people to see the educational side of it as well, knowing that it’s balanced,” she said. “It’s not just furs that we’re throwing out here.”
Some vendors are also preparing themed storefronts and cleaning out buildings that have been unused for months. Vendors said that can include removing birds’ nests or raccoons that have moved in during the off-season.
Kilt seller Kelly Melnick said much of the work happens before visitors see the finished festival grounds.
“It’s like backstage at Disney,” Melnick said. “You don’t see everything that goes on backstage to make the front stage work.”
The Ohio Renaissance Festival begins this weekend and runs through Nov. 1. Tickets are available online.