Suzette Cook
The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire returns in a new location that will welcome vendor campers over three weekends of events.
The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved a permit application that will allow the event to relocate from next to the Gainesville Airport to a 113-acre parcel at 9409 SW Archer Road.
This will be the 35th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire and organizers have expanded the dates from one to three weekends and added overnight camping for vendors only. The City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department produces the annual gathering. Â
The BOCC gave the green light for organizers to set up and hold the event in an agriculture-zoned property owned by Multerra LLC, according to the application.
Senior planner for the county Jerry Brewington recommended the BOCC approve the application for a temporary use permit.
Event operation will be from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., including setup and break down, and all event parking will be accommodated on the site. The application conditions require the event runs in compliance with Alachua County Noise Ordinance (Ch. 10) and requires traffic control to be provided by Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
Several public comments were made via phone to the board from previous participants and volunteers saying they made lifelong friends and networked to find job opportunities by volunteering at the event. Two people said they met their spouses at the event.
Adjacent property owner Chris Spencer requested that barriers be put up so that campers and event goers were clear on where the event location ended and neighboring residences began.
A majority of the BOCC said they attend the event annually and are looking forward to its return.
“I’m excited it’s going to happen again,” Commissioner Mary Alford said.
Commissioner Ken Cornell added he loves the faire and takes his kids to it.Â
“It’s a new place, a new venue,” he said. “I would ask that the organizers be very aware of the new folks that are impacted.”
Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 5 to 17 and $17 for seniors and military.
On Family Friday, Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., tickets are $10 for all adults and $5 for children. More details are available at www.HoggetowneMedFaire.com.