Bring the wee ones

With all their talk of Anne Boleyn's grisly fate, wenches and poxes upon thee, Renaissance fair events aren't always entirely kid-friendly.

However, one new event aims to change that.

The Addison Community Theatre will present A Midsummer's Faire from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at Addison Village Hall, 1 Friendship Plaza.

The Renaissance fair-style event will feature a children's play performance, as well as activities for guests of all ages.

Admission is free, but proceeds from carnival games, concession and souvenir sales, and donations will benefit the Addison Cultural Arts Commission.

The group started planning the event about a year ago, said Keven Hohenzy, one of the organizers.

"A number of our members participate in the Renaissance fairs in the area, so they thought it would be a good idea to have one that was more child-based," he said. "We wanted to find a way to raise money, too, so we put the two together."

Event highlights include performances of the play "Holka Polka" at 1, 4 and 7 p.m.; a costume contest at noon for children, adults and pets; fencing and sword-fighting demonstrations, a moon bounce, dunk tank, games for all ages and more.

"We hope (A Midsummer's Faire) gives children, especially, a venue to dress up and use their imaginations to express themselves," Hohenzy said.

"Participation in the arts has been restricted in many ways in schools, so we hope this will bring back the spirit of creativity."

If You Go

What: A Midsummer's Faire

When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Addison Village Hall, 1 Friendship Plaza

Cost: Admission is free. Game tokens and concessions will be available for purchase.

Details: Visit www.addisontheatre.org