Photo courtesy of the Cavern City Renaissance Festival.
Nearly 4,000 attend inaugural Renaissance Festival in Carlsbad
The First Annual Cavern City Renaissance Festival besieged Carlsbad Beach on Friday and Saturday and surged to victory.
More than two-thirds of the festival’s 53 vendors reported their most profitable weekend event at the festival, which took place around the beach bandshell at Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area.
The event’s armored combat fighters were lauded for putting on a show, and putting their “bodies through a lot.” Organizers conceded, however, that the first event wasn’t perfect, noting an inadequate number of food vendors and food.
“We will be brainstorming ways of adding more food trucks, but the current issue is that there are only five 220V plugs at the venue,” they said. “Generators are not ideal due to unwanted sound, so we are looking at options.”
“The organizers are already talking about next year, and we look forward to supporting them as they prepare an even bigger event.”
Organizers also said they’re brainstorming ways to make the event more affordable to families next year, and apologized over confusion regarding Eventbrite receipts that failed indicate whether the tickets were for a single day or both days.
Despite the first-time snafus, Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway said organizers including Shay Gregory “should be very proud of their effort.”
“There were pirate shows, dances and combat demonstrations,” the mayor said. “The organizers are already talking about next year, and we look forward to supporting them as they prepare an even bigger event.”
Attendees also posted positive reviews on Facebook.
“This event was amazing for the inaugural event,” said Chris Wilgus. “The fighters were an amazing attraction and definitely have my attention both days. Wished that there were more vendors of the same to avoid lines. But it was fantastic and I cannot wait for next year if they will have it again.”
Photo courtesy of the Cavern City Renaissance Festival
