Des Moines Renaissance Faire continues festivities while following health guidelines
While most big events have been canceled due to COVID-19, the Des Moines Renaissance Faire made sure it continued as planned.
On Saturday, the heat didn't stop hundreds from dressing up for the the Faire. It was an event appropriate to even don a timely plague doctor costume.
"They wore these masks and they stuffed them with herbs. They thought that would keep the plague away," said Gwendlyn Hopkins, of Indianola.
Organizers said the festival is following Polk County Health guidelines, which make the event look and sound different.
The faire is spreading merchant tents across 70 acres and socially distanced show seating.
"They're doing very well. A lot of the booths have the hand sanitizer before you go in. They're asking you stay six feet a part," said Nancy Stanbrough, of Des Moines.
Th festival kept vendors and performers in business.
"A lot of craft artisans, they haven't been to a festival or a mall or anywhere they can sell their goods," said Gregory Schmidt, producer and director of the Des Moines Renaissance Faire.