If you think that winter is only about snow, wreaths and Santa Claus, think again. For the first time at Grand Valley State University, a second Renaissance Faire will take place this year with a special yule theme.

On Saturday, GVSU’s Renaissance Festival student organization will host its first-ever Yule Faire in the Kirkhof Center.

In the past, the group has contemplated adding a second Renaissance Faire, but the idea was always shot down due to the amount of work and planning it would have taken after October’s main faire. But when Capt. Brandon DeHaan of the Grand Valley Police Department asked questions about holding a faire in another month, the group decided it was time to finally try out its idea of hosting a winter faire.

“I was asking, ‘Does everyone do (Renaissance faires) in October?” DeHaan said. He said he had no clue that his question would lead to the creation of a winter faire.

He said the Renaissance Festival has always been very cooperative while working with the GVPD in the past, leading him to believe the faire would work out well.

The group took DeHaan’s spark of an idea and ran with it.

“We took the idea and ran with it thinking it would be a lot of fun for everyone to have a ‘Yule’-themed faire close to the end of the semester and just at the start of the holidays to get everyone in the spirit,” said Robyn Schultz, secretary for the GV Renaissance Festival.

The winter Renaissance Faire will not only feature the usual Renaissance garb, live entertainment and dancing, but also activities such as caroling and a Mistletoe Cavern where students can buy chocolate, apple cider, hot chocolate and other goodies.

Instead of the traditional Renaissance Faire jail, there will be a pair of wooden stocks in which patrons will be encouraged to take pictures. In addition, participants’ outfits will be decked out in holiday-themed accessories.

The faire will also consist of many merchants selling clothing, trinkets, jewelry and other items. No weapons, such as traditional swords or daggers, will be sold because this is a new event. However, if the group continues the Yule Faire in following years, weapons may be included.

“The Ren Faire contributes an activity that is completely different from any other that GV has to offer,” said Rachel Bowling, president of GV Renaissance Festival. “We give students a chance to escape into a different world of fantasy and fun.”

Because GV Renaissance Festival works with other clubs on campus such as the Celtic Music Club, attendees will be able to get a taste of other GVSU student talent, too.

“The whole club is very excited for this brand-new event, and we hope that it goes well and that students enjoy themselves,” Bowling said.

The Yule Faire will take place in the Grand River Room of the Kirkhof Center from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday.

[email protected]