September 7, 2016 at 3:20 p.m.
Renaissance Festival returns to Tommy O's
Second annual event set to run Sept. 8-11
Renaissance Festival returns to Tommy O's
The Renaissance Festival is the product of a vision from Tommy O's owner and operator Tom Organiscak. Upon taking over the playhouse in 2012, Organiscak felt it to be the ideal location to hold a one-of-a-kind renaissance fair that was unique to the Northwoods.
"We had a great time last year and it brought out a really nice showing of people," Organiscak said. "We had about 2,000 people during the four-day event and this year were anticipating closer to 5,000 people in attendance."
2016 will see upgrades to the festival including additional vendors, five performance stages that will include magicians, sword swallowers, and fire eaters, as well as a new event known as the "Queen's Tea."
"People will be able to have an etiquette session and then that will grant them access to go and have tea with the queen," he said. "There will be a lot of new features to the festival that will give it a new and improved feel from last year."
Other events such as sword fights, resident medieval families demonstrating how they live, strolling minstrels, a torture museum and Monty Python skits will grace the Tommy O grounds.
"Not everyone goes for Shakespeare, so we do Monty Python instead," Organiscak said. "There really is more to do than you can fit into a single day, so we'll have many people coming back for multiple days."
For the adults, a beer and cocktail bar will be offered, as well as the opportunity to try some beverages from the Medieval times.
Organiscak said his desire to put on a renaissance fair came about from his own personal involvement with the Ringling Brothers renaissance fair in Sarasota, Fla. He believes they are an ideal place to go and let go of one's inhibitions and become part of a world vastly different from their own.
"It's not like going to a regular fair because you don't have the usual cotton candy or rides," he said. "It takes you back in time and gives you the opportunity to learn about the way people used to live, while also having a wonderful time."
Organiscak said he is encouraging teachers to bring their classes out to the opening day of the festival on Thursday, Sept. 8 to give a learning experience outside of the classroom.
"We have a special day planned for all of the students coming out who will get a special lunch and activities pertaining to what they may be learning," he said.
Renaissance fairs have always been of interest to the public, according to Organiscak, because they strike up a sense of good-natured fun and humor within all ages. There is no written formula for how to conduct a renaissance festival, which allows for a great deal of variance from one to another.
"Each one is unique and has something different to offer from the last," he said. "There always is going to be something that you haven't seen before. It's fun to see people gradually become more and more involved and by the end of the day they're talking in Medieval dialect."
Patrons do have to be somewhat on their toes as beggars and thieves will be on the lookout for any gold coins that you may have. For those responding improperly to the queen, you just may be thrown in jail.
"It's a fully immersive experience which is hard to get today," Organiscak said. "It's really the only renaissance festival around here and were attempting to grow it into a real regional event."
Organiscak looks to keep the event as close to traditional Medieval as possible, which is something that is sometimes hard to come by.
"We really work to hold a true renaissance festival. Sometimes you'll go somewhere and have a flea market set up. That is not what this is. All the goods are handmade and what they call "jurried" for the festival," he said. "It is our goal to be as authentic as possible."
Conducting a renaissance festival is a immense undertaking, according to Organiscak. In addition to the committee associated with the festival, support from the Lions Club and other area organizations are integral to the success and logistical planning of the event.
Tommy O's Renaissance Festival is looking for any interested volunteers to assist with things such as set up, parking, and tear down. For those looking to assist in the production of the festival, you may call 715-356-0003.
"It's a big job to keep everything moving according to the time tables, so we welcome anyone interested in helping out," Organiscak said.
Tommy O's Renaissance Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 8-11. Tickets prices are $20 for adults, $10 for teens (13-17) and $5 for kids under 13.
Evan Verploegh may be reached via email at [email protected].
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