By Audrey Hanes, Photography by Audrey Poff

Organizers are gearing up for the inaugural Red Wolf Renaissance Fair in Jonesboro, with a goal of raising funds to help save the endangered American Red Wolf while also introducing more people to the sport of modern armored fighting.

Modern armored fighting, modeled after 14th and 15th century knight tournaments, is a growing sport worldwide and has come to Jonesboro thanks to the Crowley’s Ridge Direwolves Armored Combat Club, established last year by Rusty Wagner. Wagner recently teamed up with club member and Arkansas State University student Lauren Hopkins, who is serving as the founding director of the inaugural Red Wolf Renaissance Fair, in an effort to raise funds and support for the proposed American Red Wolf Conservation and Research Center at Craighead Forest Park.

Wagner, who first got involved with armored fighting in 2019, is the manager and coach of the Memphis Armored Fight Club. After enjoying the sport for several years, he founded an armored fight club in Jonesboro to allow local members access to the sport.

“I established the Jonesboro (club) in April 2023 and basically turned my backyard into a battle zone,” said Wagner. “I have a list, which is our fighting ring, and we have four pells and poly swords that we practice with.

“We duel based on 14th and 15th century tournament rules. This is how they really did it in medieval times. Doing the duels and tournaments was how the kings kept the knights out of trouble, to keep them busy and continue training. That’s what we do at a tournament – what they did back then, historically with our weapons and armor, which are blunted, but are made out of real steel.”

Hopkins is a member of Jonesboro’s six-person club. Last April, the two were talking about how much fun it would be to have a Renaissance fair in Jonesboro, and Wagner suggested they turn the talk into an actuality. They reached out to Danny Kapales, director of parks and recreation for the City of Jonesboro, who was eager to help the club’s idea come to fruition.

“First off, you don’t have the opportunity to have an event like this without someone like Lauren and her leadership; she has been wonderful to work with from the first email,” said Kapales. “Lauren came to me with a great idea, and I pushed her a little bit to go bigger. I felt like since I was asking her to expand the event, I also needed to make sure I was helping her be successful.

“Craighead Forest Park (will) be filled with food trucks, vendors, costumes and real sword fights. I am excited to see the park used for an event that will bring people from all over the region for a great imagination-filled weekend; I just can't wait for this new event and to see everyone out in the park.”

Under Hopkins’ leadership, the 2024 Red Wolf Renaissance Fair is scheduled to take place at Craighead Forest Park on Oct. 12-13. A main attraction of the fair will be armored fight demonstrations from the club, but other activities like coronation of the king and queen, a flute serenade by the A-State Flute Ensemble, a performance by the ASU Funtime Channel Performing Arts Color Guard, a story time reading courtesy of the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library, a royal pet coronation and a performance by Dr. Krunkenstein and the Hillbilly Express will also take place throughout the weekend.

“Attendees can expect a whole lot of fun,” said Hopkins of the two-day fair. “Armored knights clashing in epic duels, a carriage ride through themed worlds, lively performances by local talents and a bustling marketplace where artisans, craftsmen and merchants showcase their finest wares. The air will be thick with the aroma of delicious food from food trucks, and the whole community will come together to revel in the magic of the Renaissance era.

“We can’t forget the star of the show, the American Red Wolf. We are working to organize conservation-oriented events or speakers to discuss the critically endangered status of the Red Wolf and the hopes of a renaissance through new births and the release of captive red wolves into the wild population.”

For those wanting to participate, the Red Wolf Renaissance Fair’s board is still looking to book additional entertainment for the weekend, including school groups such as theatrical performers, choirs, bands, orchestras and dance teams, as well as community theater groups, puppeteers, comedians and more unique events and acts that showcase local talent.

“We are seeking cast, vendors, community partners and more on our website at redwolfrenfair.org,” said Hopkins. “We are also forming groups to assist in creating the sets and décor that will make our event truly magical. For more information, reach out to us on our website, Facebook page or by email at redwolfrenaissance@gmail.com

“To support our event, we have also introduced a fundraiser with stickers, bumper stickers and pet portraits to show your enthusiasm for the Red Wolf Renaissance Fair. Veronica Milnes, our pet portrait designer, does an amazing job of bringing personality to each of our pet portraits. We currently offer 3-inch stickers for $1, 4-inch stickers for $2, bumper stickers for $5 and our pet portraits. Get a unique pet portrait for just $10 or go for a themed pet portrait at $12. Choose from enchanting themes like Viking, jester, pirate, royalty, fairy and feather accessories to make your pet look pawsitively perfect. To order, check out our website at redwolfrenfair.org.”

There will also be a chance for attendees to participate in the actual armored fighting during Fight Like a Knight, presented by the Memphis Armored Fight Club and the Crowley’s Ridge Direwolves.

“At the event, the audience can participate and fight like a knight,” said Wagner. “It’s just $10 per person per fight, and they just have to sign a waiver. I have a soft kit for training, and you can fight your friend or one of our knights; you can get in the ring and just see what you can do. We have kits for ages 5 and above, so almost anyone can participate. I’d like to get the kids into the sport, too. In Europe, they’re doing leagues and tournaments, and I’d like to spread the word and get more people into it.”

“It is always so much fun to see the excitement of younger kids getting to fight a knight,” added Hopkins. “The Society of Creative Anachronism will also be offering their own duels for honor and glory.”

Hopkins says carriage rides and themed worlds will offer photo opportunities throughout the park with decorations and local talent from the event’s many contests. They plan to display community submissions in each themed area of the fair, including winners of the Arts and Crafts, Décor and Props and DIY Costume contests.

“Our current planned themed worlds are Royal Court, Fairy Garden, Treasure Cove and Tribes of Arkansas,” said Hopkins. “The Royal Court is planned with royal thrones, and we can’t forget a good stockade. Fairy Garden will offer a magical experience of a garden with mystical creatures. Treasure Cove combines the worlds of Vikings and Pirates in a search for lost treasure. For the Tribes of Arkansas, we are searching for a representative to bring native culture to life for our fairgoers. These areas will serve not only as photo opportunities, but also as fun interactive activities for kids.”

While organizers are excited to introduce more of the community to armored fighting and everything that a Renaissance fair entails, as a nonprofit organization, they’re also looking forward to raising money for the red wolves.

“Our board members are all community leaders or those with business experience in the Jonesboro area – Danny Kapales, Rusty Wagner, Willie Talib and Chip Carroll all bring their unique insight and connections to the Red Wolf Renaissance Fair,” said Hopkins. “… The connection and enthusiasm of Jonesboro Parks and Recreation has been amazing in kicking off our first year of the Red Wolf Renaissance Fair. As an A-State student, I have reached out to many administrators at A-State for their thoughts and input on our event. The response and excitement of the Jonesboro community during outreach events has been a major part of bringing the fair to life, as well. My experiences in Conservation Biology with Dr. (Stephen) Mullin last semester also gave me a lot of inspiration through all the conservation efforts we studied and the impact of those programs on biodiversity and wildlife.”

Hopkins, a wildlife, fisheries and conservation student at A-State who is originally from Independence, Mo., says she found her passion for mammals and canids during her studies there. Through the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and her program under Dr. Kyle Gustafson, she was able to work as a lab assistant in preserving Red Wolf specimens that come to A-State from all over the United States, which ignited her passion for saving the endangered species. All proceeds from the Red Wolf Renaissance Fair will go towards that effort.

“As a nonprofit organization, our goal is to raise awareness and funds for the proposed American Red Wolf Conservation and Research Center at Craighead Forest Park,” said Hopkins. “The ARWCRC would provide habitats for 12 or more red wolves in highly secure fenced enclosures and serve as an ecotourism hub for Jonesboro. With our annual fair we hope to aid in reaching the $5 million funding goal needed to make the center a reality. Otherwise, all carryover funds will be allocated towards a red wolf-affiliated nonprofit.”

Admission is just $10 for both days. Hopkins says thanks to Jonesboro Parks and Recreation, the Red Wolf Renaissance Fair’s board was able to offer a discount to families with more than two children within their party; after the purchase of two full-priced kids admissions, all other children in the group receive free admission.

“With this being our first year, we are working hard to master the basics and provide a great fair experience,” said Hopkins. “I look forward to seeing how our fair will grow as an annual event in Jonesboro and in getting the community excited about the prospect of having Red Wolves at Craighead Forest Park.”

For more information about local armored fighting, follow Memphis Armored Fight Club on Facebook and Instagram and Crowley’s Ridge Direwolves Armored Combat on Facebook. For more information about the Red Wolf Renaissance Fair, go to redwolfrenfair.org.