History comes to life at Fisher Hill Elementary School’s Renaissance fair

Students in Caitlin Murchie’s first grade class march down to a Renaissance fair at Fisher Hill Elementary School in Orange on Monday.

Students in Caitlin Murchie’s first grade class march down to a Renaissance fair at Fisher Hill Elementary School in Orange on Monday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Vice Principal Paul Fraleigh helps kindergarten students Analiyah Gomez, left, and Violet Roberts shoot rubber-tipped arrows at targets during the Renaissance fair at Fisher Hill Elementary School in Orange on Monday.

Vice Principal Paul Fraleigh helps kindergarten students Analiyah Gomez, left, and Violet Roberts shoot rubber-tipped arrows at targets during the Renaissance fair at Fisher Hill Elementary School in Orange on Monday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Second graders Zoe Clark and Dawson Eadie play chess during the Renaissance fair at Fisher Hill Elementary School in Orange on Monday.

Second graders Zoe Clark and Dawson Eadie play chess during the Renaissance fair at Fisher Hill Elementary School in Orange on Monday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Students are supervised as they throw plastic Velcro-tipped axes at a target during the Renaissance fair at Fisher Hill Elementary School in Orange on Monday.

Students are supervised as they throw plastic Velcro-tipped axes at a target during the Renaissance fair at Fisher Hill Elementary School in Orange on Monday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

April Violette, the Orange Public Libraries’ children’s librarian, helps students work with clay, weaving and mosaics during the Renaissance fair at Fisher Hill Elementary School in Orange on Monday.

April Violette, the Orange Public Libraries’ children’s librarian, helps students work with clay, weaving and mosaics during the Renaissance fair at Fisher Hill Elementary School in Orange on Monday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Ralph C. Mahar Regional School volunteer Aydin Balg, left, and paraprofessional Karen Perkins, center rear, supervise second grade students as they play giant chess during the Renaissance fair at Fisher Hill Elementary School in Orange on Monday.

Ralph C. Mahar Regional School volunteer Aydin Balg, left, and paraprofessional Karen Perkins, center rear, supervise second grade students as they play giant chess during the Renaissance fair at Fisher Hill Elementary School in Orange on Monday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Students “joust” with pool noodle lances trying to spear rings as they ride stick horses at the Renaissance fair at Fisher Hill Elementary School in Orange on Monday.

Students “joust” with pool noodle lances trying to spear rings as they ride stick horses at the Renaissance fair at Fisher Hill Elementary School in Orange on Monday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

By DOMENIC POLI

Staff Writer

Published: 06-11-2025 10:18 AM

ORANGE — Fisher Hill Elementary School students typically spend their days studying core subjects like science, math and writing. But on Monday they were able to carve out some time for lessons in weaving, blacksmithing, mosaics and jousting.

The 525 pupils were treated to a Renaissance fair that brought an enchanted realm of merriment and revelry to the school grounds and gave the youngsters a taste of what it was like to live during the European cultural movement that spanned the 14th century through 17th century. The event served as the culmination of the students’ study of Renaissance art.

“They’re learning dancing, they’re learning chess. They did play chess in the Renaissance,” art teacher Catherine Lee said. “It’s supposed to be kind of an immersive learning experience, like living history. They are having a blast.”

The fair consisted of various stations that offered a closer glimpse of different aspects of Renaissance life. One booth allowed students to dabble in woodworking, masonry, blacksmithing and leatherworking — common trades of the time period — while another focused on the art forms of ceramics, weaving, architecture and mosaics.

“The kids seem to be having a lot of fun. It turned out really great,” said volunteer April Violette, the Orange Public Libraries’ children’s librarian, who said students were most drawn to working with clay at the ceramics station. “They’re so nice and they make room for their friends. ... They all just share.”

Daniella Tringali regaled students with stories and parent Finlay Stewart — performing as Finlay, Master of Staves — spent time exhibiting movement-based art forms as well as dropping a few nuggets of history of the Italian Renaissance and the masquerades.

Music and maypole dancing took place, and local magician Ed the Wizard entertained the children. Students could build castles with blocks and find gold treasure at another booth. As part of knight training, students shot rubber-tipped arrows at targets, threw plastic Velcro-tipped axes at targets and “jousted” with pool noodle lances as they tried to spear rings while riding stick horses.

“They love it. It’s so cute,” Vice Principal Paul Fraleigh said, adding that the Renaissance fair was made possible with the support of students, staff members and volunteers. “We have sixth grade ambassadors here, usually two for each tent, paraprofessionals and teachers all coming together, as well as volunteers from our community. We put this all together and we have a beautiful day for these kids. That’s what it’s all about.”

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The fair was held on the field that was the site of the former Dexter Park Innovation School, near woods and a swamp. Lee, who spent six months organizing the event, said she got inspired while taking strolls on the walking path during her breaks.

“I looked at the setting and I thought, ‘This is the most amazing place for a Renaissance fair,’” she recounted.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.