Avalon Faire, A New Renaissance Fair, Opens in Texas

A new Renaissance fair opened Friday between Kilgore and Longview, with members of the community and vendors dedicating the site.

"They are just right outside of the city; so, they did connect with us to see how we could assist him in marketing," said Cindy Morris of the Longview Chamber of Commerce, which organized a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday at Avalon Faire off FM 1252.

Morris said it was an easy decision because of the potential economic impact. "Our hotels are working with us by having available rooms for their people," she said. "The same thing with RV parks."

Avalon Faire is a medieval, Renaissance fair that will be held each weekend, beginning today and continuing through April 26. It will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Featuring vendors, concessions and artisans from around the world, Avalon Faire includes full-contact jousting by National Geographic's Knights of Mayhem, bird of prey and falconry demonstrations by Knightwings as well as a variety of magicians, musicians and jugglers.

"I want to say how exciting it is to have something like this in Kilgore," said Mayor Ronnie Spradlin, before two men in full metal armor demonstrated the joust. "To see all of you in costume — it is just fun without the event even started yet." The festival grounds are at 1076 FM 1252, just north of Interstate 20 off Texas 42. Admission prices are $12 for adults, $6 for children 4 to 12, and free for children younger than 4.