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Rogues, ruffians to gather in Oct. in New Glarus
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A Gathering of Rogues and Ruffians: A Renaissance Faire will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 8 and 9 at the Wilhelm Tell Grounds just east of New Glarus on County W. Giant walking fish, buying and wearing costumes and trying out archery or blacksmithing are just a few of the fun things that can be experienced at this annual event held by the non-profit Shakespeare on the Edge Inc. organization. (Photo supplied)
NEW GLARUS - A Gathering of Rogues and Ruffians: A Renaissance Faire will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 8 and 9, rain or shine, at the Wilhelm Tell Grounds, W5199 County W, New Glarus.

The arts and history of the Renaissance will be brought to life at the ninth annual Gathering of Rogues and Ruffians, where storytellers abound, giant fish and swordsmen walk the streets, strange sisters sing with washtubs and there is magic everywhere one looks. Spy primitive sheep, see fire-breathing gypsies, experience live action role-play, have fortunes told by a witch, learn medieval fighting and be inspired by knights, but beware of the orcs in the woods. Be charmed by lords and ladies, learn blacksmithing, discuss the art of sword making, try on armor, learn Renaissance country dancing and join in the merriment.

The admission price is $8 for those 13 and older, $5 for youth 4-12 and free for ages 3 and under. Weekend passes are $12 and $8. Spend a little extra jingle and ride a horse, try your hand at archery or purchase some beautiful wares.

The Faire is home to more than 50 creative artisans and merchants and will feature furs, leather ware, pottery, weaponry, swords, collectibles, masks, chain maille, herbs, dragons, toys, pirate treasure, and Renaissance, fantasy and Steampunk attire.

Food will include Dragonz Lair Vittlez, Heavenly Smoked Roasters, Calli's Pub, Sadie's Corn on the Cobb, Gourmet Kettle Korn and treats from Wonderland Sweets. A crunchy Thunder Pickle is still only $1. Get a Rogues and Ruffians' mug topped with Monroe's very own Bloomer's Rootbeer or New Glarus Beer at the Pickled Gizzard Pub. Bos Meadery joins the merriment this year.

While the Faire is for everyone, children are at the core of the event. Kids can build a life-size castle with artist Stuart Hellwig, have a tea party with the fairies and meet the fairy queen in the Fairy Kingdom at 2 p.m., see a knight parade at 4:05 p.m. Saturday, attend a belly dance class at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, learn history from great historians, go on the Kids Quest all weekend, be in a stage show, play games in the Kids Kingdom and more. Kids may come in costume and visit the Monk at Mystic Moraine Minerals for a magic stone.

All proceeds from the Faire benefit the youth programming of the Monroe-based non-profit Shakespeare on the Edge Inc..

Get directions and the most current information at A Gathering of Rogues and Ruffians Facebook page or visit www.agatheringofroguesandruffians.com.