July Update: Went Medieval

The Fair Must Go On: Bringing the Gospel to the Renaissance Festival

This past June, my creative journey took a really fun, unexpected twist. I got back in the saddle and headed to a Renaissance Fair… but this time, with a specific mission.

Through our current experience creating a Christian roleplaying game and attending conventions, God opened our eyes to a huge opportunity: we can bring Christ directly into these hobbies and treat them as mission fields. Having been to countless Ren Faires, I realized I had never had an authentic Christian encounter there. Sure I’d run into people dressed as Templars or monks, but none were actually proclaiming the Good News. (Granted at these events soliciting and proselytizing are generally prohibited, but not even a genuine “God is good” was experienced).

It got me thinking: What if we just show up, be present, and invite people to talk about Jesus?

The plan wasn’t to preach at people, but to invite friends and guests to engage while genuinely being part of the festivities. That’s when the idea hit me… a Crusade!

I started putting my Hospitaller kit together and mapping out the journey. When I shared the vision with the Lightwork Street team, the Jolley brothers (Bode & Sawyer) jumped right in. We were also joined by my coworker Michael, and an old church friend, Nicholas, who was thrilled to participate as a monk. Our little crusade was officially formed: two Hospitallers, a Templar, a friar, and a Benedictine monk. And our faithful families.

Then, Bode Jolley asked, “What if I carried a big cross?” That inspired me to build a 100-pound wooden cross, creating the very foundation for The Ren Faire Crusades bringing the cross straight to the festivals!

A Sudden Roadblock

Earlier this year, the North Mississippi Renaissance Festival was announced as Tupelo’s first-ever en Faire. We planned a half-mile walk in remembrance of the Via Dolorosa, intending to walk around the city park in formation.

Then, bad news hit. Less than a week before the gates were supposed to open, poor management and alleged fraud shut the festival down completely

https://www.wtva.com/2026/06/24/tupelo-renaissance-fair-postponed-amid-last-minute-chaos/

But what followed was a providence. We knew the Crusade couldn’t stop. Because of the legal turmoil surrounding the canceled event, I decided on a near by town. Early morning, I contacted Deanna, the director of the Saltillo Main Street Association, to see if our small band of a dozen crusaders could do a fellowship and practice run at the Farmers Market. Hearing what happened, she was instantly ready to help.

Next, I contacted Scotty, the owner of the Rockabilly District, which features a great business area with a small park and stage. I asked if we could march our troop and the cross onto their lawn. Scotty got so fired up he immediately called his brother to open up their pizza shop just for our Crusaders! After we finished chatting, Deanna had walked over to Scotty’s shop.

Together, they hatched a massive plan to rescue the vendors and guests who had lost so much from the failed regional fair. Scotty connected with a volunteer force helping the stranded vendors, and reached out to Jethro Design Co., a new business in his district.

The Miracle of the Rockabilly Ren Faire

That is where the real ingredients began to mix. Combining forces Scotty and Jethro launched “The Fair Must Go On.”

Shortly after, they officially named the new event the Rockabilly Renaissance Faire. With like three days to pull it off, Jethro poured everything they had into marketing and planing. Lindsey, Scotty’s wife, brought in heavy support with her vintage boutique, Vintage Vibes that is on site at the venue. And last our team canvased Tupelo with flyers and social media presence.

What emerged was a absolutely awesome, bustling Renaissance Fair! Since our group had a pavilion space, we decided to hold a full service. Nicholas stepped up as our official Chaplain, delivering a wonderful personal message of hope, Brooke lead us in beautiful worship songs, and we shared communion with guests and families.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1869139344044372

Photos courtesy of the Saltillo Main Streat Association

Afterward, our Crusaders began the Via Saltillo walk just as the festival officially opened its doors. As we marched onto the lawn, the atmosphere was incredible: a sword dancer was performing, the crowd was pumped, festive music filled the air, mutton was being slung left and right, and vendors were happily selling their wares.

Shortly after, our troop was invited on stage to share who we were, and Nicholas was able to share John 3:16-17 with the entire fair. God is so good.