As the Acadiana Renaissance Faire gears up for its 2025 season, its organizers, performers and artisans reflect on the fair’s journey from its modest beginnings in Opelousas to its current home in Ville Platte.
The move to a permanent 100-acre site marks a pivotal moment, allowing ARF to grow in both vision and scope.
“Moving to a permanent location gives us the ability to modify and maintain infrastructure, thereby improving the location year after year,” performer Philip J. Frey said. “We can now focus on constructing permanent structures that reflect a cohesive appearance and theme.”
ARF stands out by embracing the local flavor of Acadiana’s Cajun heritage, blending it into the Renaissance setting. Sara Sullivan, ARF’s CFO, highlights the fair’s unique identity.
“We are homing in on who we are — a playful mix of history and fantasy,” Sullivan said. “Our mascot, Beausoleil the Dragator, symbolizes this blend, while our village name, Post Bonhomie, embodies a good-natured gathering place where everyone feels welcome.”