HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — For about four years now the Renaissance Faire in Hot Springs has been drawing in large crowds, and this year organizers of the event said they had one of the largest crowds they've ever seen.
“As of right now we're looking at roughly about 12,000 to 13,000 people have actually made their way through this,” said faire owner, Travis Gates. “We literally had a traffic jam outside of our doors.”
Gates and his family started the faire with high hopes of bringing people together.
“That's the main thing. First to get happy, because there's so much negativity out there that we'd love for them to do that,” said Gates.
This faire isn't just for fun, a lot of the proceeds go to schools in the community.
“So, over the past couple of years, we've given away, roughly about $10,000,” Gates added
Gates also explained that he remembers being in many students' shoes and wants to do what he can to help them succeed.
“Stuff like drama and singing. We didn't have that kind of money,” said Gates.
The faire doesn't just help the students, it helps small business owners like Kayla Merritt.
“Being online, and having your shop online, you don't get to reach a wide enough audience for especially something this specific,” said Merritt.
Merritt also added how being part of this event has given her opportunities that have helped her business grow.
“There's a lot of swapping and talking and learning new tricks,” said Merritt.
Plans for next year are already underway and Gates hopes to keep the tradition growing.
“More people, more costumes, more merriment,” said Gates.