The inaugural Festival at the Friar’s Gate renaissance fair was held May 16-17 at Moore Park in Irmo. Food trucks, vendors and traveling shows gathered to celebrate with locals dressed in a variety of mystical garb.

A mix of fair food classics and renaissance-themed twists were present as well as dozens of tents. Attendees were able to browse medieval weapons including bows and axes among more modern items such as homemade candles and local writers’ books.

Locals weren’t afraid to dress up as fairies or warlocks and were able to participate in live-action roleplays (LARPs) and play battles with foam swords. There were also entertaining acts and music performances for those who were interested in spectating rather than partaking.

James Whipper, a traveling whip cracking artist, gave one-on-one lessons and multiple shows where he displayed his homemade whips and demonstrated his techniques. He noted people of all ages are interested in his talents and buy his whips.

“Every single kid has a challenge, every adult has a challenge, but every time they get it to crack, on their first or their tenth try, they smile and jump and that’s the same feeling I still get,” Whipper said.

Admission for the fair was free and dressing up was encouraged but not mandatory. The festivities took place on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.