Renaissance Fair to Bring History to Life for Students

It was a cultural movement that affected much of European intellectual life. Now, students at Pine-Richland High School (PRHS) will experience the Renaissance movement right here on campus.

On Friday, April 20 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., PRHS will be hosting a Renaissance Fair behind the high school on athletic fields four and five.

Teacher John Dolphin says the enrichment activity supports the 12th grade British Literature curriculum. In years past, students visited Westmoreland County for its Renaissance Fair, but the fair is no longer in operation.

“They stopped the festival last year and we did not want the students to lose out on such a rich and enjoyable experience, so we decided to organize our own fair here,” Dolphin said.

Dolphin says English Teacher Dana Lestitian is organizing the project and has enlisted the help of Steve Boley, a medieval re-enactor.

Students will get a chance to see performances from medieval re-enactors, which will include: a juggler, fire eater, a man lying on a bed of nails, pipers, drummers and a magician.

Students will get a chance to learn the dance of the Medieval times with the help of period dancers and see a Medieval reenactment combat and weapons show.

These performances will be conducted in two areas with a small Renaissance village in between. There will be vendors who will be making and selling bent glass and other items.

In case of inclement weather the show will take place in the high school auditorium.

The high school is located at 700 Warrendale Rd. in Pine Township.