SANDPOINT — The magic and merriment of the Sandpoint Renaissance Faire returns for a second day today.

Chivalrous knights will again rule the land with the kingdoms of France, Scotland, England and Spain vying for supremacy as the Seattle Knights return for a second day of medieval action.

The faire features everything from music, magic, dancing and comedy to combat, feasting, and aerial arts. Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. The event is being held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N. Boyer Road.

The Sandpoint Renaissance Faire transports participants and attendees back to approximately 1583, a time when England was ruled by Queen Elizabeth I, the daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. 

A time of cultural, artistic, and economic renewal, the period saw Elizabeth transform the country into a major power in Europe and the world. Faire organizers said there is something magical about the period — and about being able to share it with others.

And, organizers said, it's just plain fun.

"Everyone just has the best attitude and has the most fun," board member Cassandra Robinson said previously. "We don't ever have any fighting or disputes and it's just such a fun place to be. Everyone's just happy."

While the event is designed to be fun, it's also designed to give a taste of what life might have been like in the 1500s, Sandpoint Renaissance Association officials said. It allows the community to visit a simpler time, have fun, and learn a little bit about the era in the process.

"We want you to feel like you're being immersed into a different place," Robinson said.

Held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, the setting allows volunteers to create a host of different realms. Each area helps create a different part of the world: the arena is used for the Seattle Knights performances and jousting displays; the open area nearby is perfect for the vendors making up the medieval village; and the wooded area becomes home to the fairy realm.

A full suite of entertainment and activities will return for the faire's second day, including the return of the Seattle Knights, one of the premier theatrical jousting troupes in the Pacific Northwest, with performances at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day. In addition, faire organizers said there will be performances by magicians, comedy and more.

New this year are a dozen or so demonstration booths, featuring everything from a printing press, blacksmiths, spinners and weavers and other industries that were a part of everyday life during the medieval period, Robinson said.

More than a dozen entertainers will be on hand during the weekend, some roaming the fairgrounds and others performing on dedicated stages. Among the entertainers are magicians, musicians, jesters and comedians as well as the Wild Hearts Equestrian team.

Also on hand will be members of the Lake Pend Oreille Repertory Theater who will be part of the entertainment this year.

Daily tickets at the gate are $20 for adults; $15 for seniors and youth ages 6-17; and free for children 5 and under.

Information: sandpointrenfaire.com

    Seattle Knights members take part in a joust at the Sandpoint Renaissance Faire on Saturday.
  

    Seattle Knights members take part in a fighting demonstration during the Sandpoint Renaissance Faire on Saturday.
  

    A Seattle Knights member aims for a target during a demonstration at the Sandpoint Renaissance Faire on Saturday.
  

    A young knight gets a helping hand making a ring at the Sandpoint Renaissance Faire on Saturday.