Mystic Realms Fantasy Fair to kickoff in Pocatello this weekend
Hadley Bodell
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Bannock County Fairgrounds are welcoming back the Mystic Realms Fantasy Fair in Pocatello, with new vendors, entertainers, and fan favorite food trucks to enjoy all weekend.
Most people are familiar with the term “Renaissance Fair,” but organizers with Mystic Realms wanted to open the event to a wider audience and include all fantasy. Some costumes seen at the fair include pirates, fairies, elves, or favorite movie characters from franchises like Star Wars or Star Trek.
“We have a wide variety of vendors and entertainments that bridge the gap of historical and musicians, magicians, fire breathers, all things like that,” said Michael Collins, co-owner of Mystic Realms. “We wanted it to be more all-encompassing, not so strict, to give people the chance to come out and enjoy themselves however they want to be for the weekend.”
This is the fourth year of the fantasy fair, with last year’s event drawing out more than 4,000 people. The organizers said they hope to break that personal record this year. There will be 84 different vendors selling a wide variety of goods like costumes and props, as well as toys and games for families.
There are four different stages at the venue this weekend, with performances happening all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
“We’ll have music, magic shows, the Buhurt fighters, which is armored combat like MMA in armor, so that’s crazy to watch,” said Deneb Edwards, co-owner of Mystic Realms.
Another new attraction at the fair this year is workshops in Hema, or historical European martial arts. Collins compared the craft to fencing, but with long sword sabers. A teacher will be present at the fair to help attendees learn the fighting techniques.
The fair is the only event of its kind in the area, and the organizers said their goal is to bring the fun to Pocatello. Mystic Realms travels around to Utah and Montana, hosting fantasy fairs, and it has become one of the most beloved events during the summer for Pocatello residents.
“The biggest change is in the entertainers, but we also have a bunch of new vendors,” Edwards said. “We have a lot of returning vendors, but new ones as well, so every year it’s a little bit different. Every year you come, you’ll see new things.”
Whether people want to dress in costumes or not, organizers assure the event is for everyone.
“It’s not at all a requirement,” Collins said. “I ran into people dressed like Star Trek characters and Jedi; it’s not just fantasy, it can be everything. It’s a place to come and feel welcome to do that [dress up], there aren’t many places that you can go and dress up besides Halloween, but if you come not in a costume, you’ll still have a lot of fun.”
Fan favorite Wild Noodles announced it will be the last year of participation at the Mystic Realms Fantasy Fair. Organizers are encouraging people to come and get their delicious food while it’s here. The events will continue all weekend, rain or shine.
If you’re unable to visit the fantasy fair this weekend, Mystic Realms has a storefront open year-round near Outer Limits in Pocatello.
For a schedule of the events and more information on vendors, click HERE.