Get ready to break out the tights this summer. The Chippewa Valley Renaissance Faire is back after a one-summer absence. The faire grounds have been acquired by Wisconsin Festival Grounds Inc.

It is convenient that the origin of the word “Renaissance” translates to a rebirth, because that’s exactly what’s happening with the Chippewa Valley Renaissance Faire – so get ready to break out the green tights again this summer. It’s back.

Since Wisconsin Festival Grounds Incorporated acquired the faire, they’ve been planning various additions and improvements to the look and feel of the Chippewa Falls festival. They’ve brought in experts who have run similar shows for years in locations like Boston and Chicago – people who know how to put on a great show. Basically, they feel that the foundation for success is already laid; they just need to provide the talent and create the atmosphere to make it happen.

After last year’s festival absence, the new owners want to “kick it up a notch,” taking full advantage of the “multi-event space.” The 128-acre site near Hallie Park boasts 50 buildings and shoppes, three pubs, six stages, a horse arena, and several food vendor locations – not to mention tons of parking space, a nice-sized campground with electric hookups, and even a building with bathrooms, showers, and laundry machines if you prefer to just tent it.

The faire is all about quality and making the experience more interactive for visitors. There will be an estimated 100 actors, performing roles all over the complex on any given weekend, from May 22 until June 20. They’ll all be dressed up and speaking authentically to the time period. (Although you don’t have to … unless you want to, that is.)

    But the new owners aren’t just revamping a local favorite. After a little brainstorming, they realized that the amazing Chippewa Falls location could not only be used as a Renaissance Faire, but also a Wild West Show, a Halloween Scream Fest, and possibly host concerts.

For the Wild West Show, tentatively scheduled for Aug. 28 to Sept. 26, they are looking into stunt performers from Oklahoma-based groups, Annie Oakley-type shows, shoot-out reenactments, country bands, saloons, dance lessons, a rodeo, and old-timey piano players.

For the weekends of October 15 through Halloween, they will have hay wagon rides, pumpkin carving and chucking, tons of ghost decor, haunted houses (or a haunted town if they get ambitious) and maybe a ghoulish band or two. It looks like there will be something for everyone – all through the summer and into the fall –and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. 

Admission is $15, or only $12 for seniors and students, $5 for kids 12 and under. They also provide group discounted rates and advanced ticket sales. Check out their website at Festfun.com if you want to learn a little more or get directions.