Williams renaissance group to host fundraiser Saturday

'A Knight to Remember' to feature dancers, music, the renaissance queen and more Dec. 1 at Sultana Theater

WILLIAMS, Ariz. - Food, entertainment, a raffle and a silent auction are all on tap at the Grand Canyon Renaissance Experience's "A Knight to Remember" fundraiser.

The event takes place Dec. 1 from 7-10 p.m. at the Sultana Theater.

Entertainment will include dancers, music, an appearance by the queen and more.

"We hope to make 'A Knight to Remember' an annual event for our town," said Mark Worden, Grand Canyon Renaissance Experience's managing director.

Apart from the entertainment, the event will also include a brief presentation about the Renaissance Faire Worden hopes to host in Williams.

"It is a massive undertaking to put on the faire," Worden said, adding that the Grand Canyon Renaissance Faire has been called one of the best small faires in the country.

Worden is working on a larger project that would potentially include a five-acre castle and castle yard on 12 acres with shared parking to be built on a parcel south of I-40 near Garland Prairie Road.

"We approached Sean Casey of Bearizona even before the wildlife park opened," said Worden. "Sean has been great through this whole process and has agreed to become our landlord, assuming we can raise the funds for the permanent site."

Local artist Lisa Noble will present drawings and local architect John Pela of Pela and Associates in Williams and Phoenix will present color renderings of the site during the event.

Proceeds from this event will be used to help recoup prior expenses and also go toward bringing the next Grand Canyon Renaissance Faire to Williams. The faire will provide opportunities for businesses and locals interested in volunteering, vending, sponsorships and lodging. Worden hopes to find investors interested in the permanent site.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $25 for couples or $12.95 per person, which includes dinner and the show. Tickets are limited and are available at the City of Williams Forest Service Visitor Center.

Attendees can come as they are, dress up or come in renaissance, western or Christmas costumes.

Volunteer servers and prize donations from the community are needed for the fundraiser. More information is available by calling (928) 635-2394.