Lords and ladies of Florence: it’s that time of year again-the beloved Renaissance Fair is here. And this year, the festival at the Fountain on the Green (otherwise known as Wilson Park) is celebrating 25 years of honoring all things Renaissance Oct. 22-23.

“We’re doing a couple new things this year,” said Rebecca Linam, former Renaissance queen and member of the Round Table committee. “All the past monarchs are being recognized, there will be more dancing and we have a sword in the stone for the kids.”

The Renaissance Fair, which draws 30,000-40,000 people to the site each year, has been named one of the top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourist Society in Atlanta.

Dressing up in 1400s-era period costumes is also a tradition at the fair, even for those who aren’t part of the Round Table committee.

“The Renaissance Fair in Florence is like a Dragon Con almost,” said UNA student Rose Ray. “It’s more like a fantasy festival than a Renaissance Fair just because everyone comes out for it. Someone even came as a Storm Trooper once.”

Ray has been dressing up for the fair for as long as she can remember.

“It’s an opportunity to wear some of my favorite clothes and not be looked at like I am a weirdo.”

She definitely isn’t the only one who loves to get dressed up. The festival even hosts a costume-making workshop every year a couple weeks before the fair, free for anyone to attend with just the cost of fabric to make the costume.

“Wal-Mart always has Renaissance costumes this time of year in the Halloween section for relatively cheap,” said Linam.

Even those who wish to remain clothed in traditional garb of the 21st century can enjoy the shopping. The fair is lined on all sides with vendors selling fine art, jewelry, swords and other items one might expect to find at a 1400s-era street market. If you’re willing to spend the cash, you can walk away with a unique new pair of earrings or even a Renaissance costume for next year.

Traditional Renaissance dances will also be taught for anyone willing to join.

“It’s a good way to get everyone involved, even if you’re not dressed up,” Linam said.

But Ray encourages everyone to participate.

“It’s more fun to be a part of it,” she said. “I thought about being a normal person this year, but I can’t not dress up. I just can’t.”