The Duelists of Appalachia demonstrate historical European martial arts to a crowd of fairgoers.

Valley Park became a scene out of a fantasy book this past Saturday, May 23, during the first ever Hurricane Renaissance Faire. For part of a day, the lower half of the park was transformed into Stormshire, a small kingdom located on the eaves of the enchanted Bearwood Forest. The park’s wooded trails were reimagined as a mystical forest filled with strange and unusual creatures, and visitors to the faire could go on quests which took them deep within the woods. For those less adventurous, there was plenty of other entertainment to enjoy, including musical performances by Elenna the Bardtender; photo opportunities with Siren Eos the mermaid; a murder mystery hosted by Dice & Deception, and historical European sword fighting demonstrations by the Duelists of Appalachia.