The popular Ohio Renaissance Festival will limit daily attendance to minimize crowd-related issues.
In an announcement posted on Facebook on Monday, the Ren Fest organizers urge visitors to purchase tickets online in advance to ensure they can attend the festival.
"These changes help us ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone. You will be able to reduce wait times and gain better access to your favorite performances, vendors, and food," - the message states. "Tickets will ONLY be sold at the entrance if there are remaining spots on that day."
Ohio Renaissance Festival is an annual event that takes place on weekends, starting from Labor Day weekend through the end of October. The festival is designed to imitate an English village of the 16th century during Queen Elizabeth I's reign.
Festival entertainment includes performances by costumed actors, knight battles, craft shops selling themed handcrafted products and artworks. Daily comedy, musical, and acrobatic shows are held, along with fairs where Renaissance-style food can be purchased.
According to Scott Hatchinson from Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the festival typically attracts over 200,000 visitors annually.
"Renaissance festivals are a whole industry within the entertainment world, with truly wonderful shows happening across the country worth attending," said Cheryl Buhlz, Director of Marketing at Renaissance Festival. "Since the ownership change in 2015, significant investments have been made in infrastructure, guest experience, and festival visitor services."
