Kennewick councilman asks community to save ‘a part of our town’s story’

A Kennewick city councilman is using a “new school” approach to save an old-school community event.

Mayor Pro Tem Steve Lee saw the Herald’s story Wednesday about the demise of a renaissance faire after 33 years and wanted to help.

“The Ye Merrie Greenwood Renaissance Faire is a part of our town’s story. It is worth saving,” said Lee on a GoFundMe fundraising page he started.

He laid out his arguments for saving the long-running event and put in the first $1,000. Less than 24 hours later, there were donations totaling $2,800.

“First thing: This event has been around almost my whole life. It brings families together. It gives kids a chance to experience some magic in their home town. It gives fun uncles a chance to buy swords for their nieces and nephews,” wrote the Kennewick business owner.

“It draws people outside, and away from their screens. It even brings people in from other towns that have even less to do than us,” he said.

“This is the chance for us to put our money where our mouth is (to) save an honest to goodness piece of our town’s culture,” said Lee.

Bad weather clause

Event organizers announced plans to cancel the event after losing money when attendance dropped following its move to Kennewick four years ago from Richland.

A contract deal could not be reached with the city of Kennewick this year, particularly because of a clause that would shut down the event if there is bad weather and the group wouldn’t be able to cover all its expenses.

Lee’s goal is to raise $40,000 as a reserve in case the event is canceled by bad weather.

“If Mother Nature is kind and the event is a go, then they will have a great head start for next year’s event,” he wrote, along with his push for corporate sponsors and individual donors.

“Share the heck outta this and Toss a coin to your Ren Faire,” he wrote.

Marjorie Kunigisky, president of the group, told the Herald later that she was honored and grateful for Lee’s efforts.

“Well I guess it’s not over,” said a post on the group’s Facebook page Wednesday night. “If enough money is raised, we will be able to go ahead with the 2020 Faire.”

This story was originally published January 29, 2020 at 6:57 PM.