Vermont Renaissance Faire — Local services in Essex Junction

I went in with a positive attitude and view of people, but the greeting at the gates was very unfriendly. When I stepped slightly to the side to greet my friends, the gatekeeper harshly asked, "Do you have a stamp?" without any smile or kindness. When I explained, the person handling the money ignored me and simply said "$20." It was the most unfriendly entry I've ever experienced at any event.

Additionally, while enjoying the festival, someone gave me a high five and made a blatantly racist comment. This was the first time in my life that happened. I've never had anyone approach me with a racist comment directly. It left a lasting impact. I processed through talking and crying outside the festival with my significant other. This occurred Sunday, June 23rd at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex, VT. I also happen to be LGBTQ, and the festival claims to be LGBTQ friendly. However, as a mixed race person, I was targeted and verbally assaulted, with the person making it clear I didn't belong there from their perspective. Other identity factors need to be emphasized as well.

I put a lot of time, effort, and money into preparing for this festival, costume and all, and never deserve such treatment. Unfortunately, that person reflected poorly on the worst of VT, those that seek to divide and diminish. Nothing would ever diminish my sense of self-worth; however, I am appalled. As a prominent member of the business community, I moved to this state on a relocation incentive and intended to contribute to the economy, bringing many jobs with the corporation I was planning to finalize here. However, encountering shocking racial trauma in VT, something never before experienced elsewhere, calls into question whether the state deserves me or whether I will need to set up operations elsewhere. The lack of a warm welcome is far from compelling. If VT wants a thriving economy, it needs to stop pushing the best people away.

What exactly will be done next year to make it clear this isn't tolerated? LGBTQ-friendly messaging is not enough. The racist person made it clear that they believe Renaissance Festivals are only for white people in VT. This never happened to me before at a Renaissance Festival in other states or any event. There were plenty of POC, mixed in, elsewhere. There needs to be POC inclusive messaging and outreach going forward.

Update: Adding to the shock, I received an incredibly invalidating response below. I was expecting better. It's not 1 out of 11k. It's a problem here, echoed by many that look like me. Invalidation exacerbates the issue and highlights the harm of responding out of blind privilege vs relatability and thoughtfulness. Representation is exceptionally low here compared to the claim that it is present among the vendors. This is evident when compared to other festivals, even in VT, and even within the imagery used in posters, ads, and around the event. I've been to many Renaissance Festivals in other states with no issues, and this is done much better. They didn't even take the care to answer my questions. The response is especially harmful because it dismisses the significance of the incident by suggesting it was an isolated event. It minimizes the reality of racial trauma and overlooks the repeated experiences of many people of color. It's certainly a dismissal to propose that it's a one-off situation or that it represents just 1 in 11,000, as if the openness ratio here is that favorable. This perspective is blind to reality, as I've constantly heard of racial trauma experienced here like nowhere else. Such an attitude not only invalidates my experience but also contributes to an environment where racism is downplayed and...

🎭 Had a blast at the Renaissance Faire in Stowe today with my awesome son! 🌟 We soaked up the medieval vibes, indulged in scrumptious food, and reveled in the enchanting costumes and music. 😍 But the highlight of our day was when my little one played peek-a-boo with a mesmerizing mermaid! 🧜‍♀️ His face lit up with joy, and it made my heart swell with happiness. ❤️ #RenaissanceFaireFun #MemorableMoments #MermaidMagic #vermont #stowe #renaissancefestival #renaissancefair #gostowe #woodstock #weekend #sunday #videography #momlife #fun...

Vendors are extremely pricey ($120 for a single leather shoulder armor) so expect to save quite a bit if you plan to buy anything, but everything is of fantastic quality. Food vendors are way overpriced ($14 for a small chicken sandwich) so I suggest packing a lunch and keeping it in your car or going out.

The atmosphere is great, actors are very entertaining and are great with kids. Plenty of bathrooms to use. This was my 2nd year going, I look forward...