HISTORY OF FANTASY FAIRE
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
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Our Story
The Mesa County Fantasy Faire was first held in 2015, founded by William “Bill” Monroe, a longtime member of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), entertainer, and musician. Monroe envisioned the faire as a unique cultural gathering for Grand Junction, filling the absence of a local renaissance festival. His goal was to create an event that was more inclusive than traditional ren faires—something that blended the immersive qualities of historical reenactment with the broad appeal of a comic convention, welcoming diverse groups and organizations into one shared celebration.
Founding Years
The inaugural Fantasy Faire brought together major community groups including Azure Rose, Wandering Rogues, Phoenix Rise, and the Shire of Draca Mor. Together, they created a lively atmosphere filled with tournaments, an endless stage of live music, artisan merchants, and food vendors. The event was designed to be accessible to all ages and to showcase the creativity and camaraderie of local guilds and performers.
Financially, the faire struggled to gain footing. The 2015 event barely broke even, yet the organizers pressed forward with a second edition in 2016, determined to keep the vision alive.
Challenges and Dormancy
Despite the passion of its founders and participants, the faire faced unavoidable challenges. Limited resources, scheduling conflicts, and organizers being frequently out of town made sustaining the event difficult. By the end of 2016, the Fantasy Faire gradually faded from the local calendar.
Legacy and Revival
Though short-lived, the Mesa County Fantasy Faire left a lasting impression on participants and the community. It demonstrated the region’s appetite for immersive, inclusive cultural events and laid the groundwork for gatherings that blend history, fantasy, and modern fandoms. The faire remains a testament to the creativity and resilience of its founders and participants, remembered as a bold experiment in bringing diverse traditions together under one banner.
Today, that legacy is being reignited with fresh energy and vision. The revival of the Mesa County Fantasy Faire embraces the spirit of its origins while expanding into new realms of possibility. With renewed leadership, broader community partnerships, and a commitment to inclusivity, the faire is poised to become a cornerstone of cultural celebration in Western Colorado. Guests can look forward to tournaments, immersive quests, artisan showcases, and endless stages of music—woven together with ecological stewardship and family-friendly design.
The excitement of the future lies in transforming the faire into more than an event: it is a ritual of resilience, a gathering place for creativity, and a living tradition that honors the past while boldly stepping into the future.