PRESS RELEASE: WYBREG MAY FAIRE & WYBREG GREAT HALL CONCERTS
by John-Paul, ATF Staff Writer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 6th, 2002

WHO: Wybreg Foundation (f/k/a Renaissance Foundation), Bonaparte, IA

WHAT: Wybreg May Faire & Wybreg Great Hall Concerts

WHEN: May 15th, 16th, & 17th, 2003 (Fri, Sat, Sun)

WHERE: Wybreg May Faire, Water Works Park, Des Moines, IA; Wybreg Great Hall Concerts, location TBA, Des Moines, IA

WHY: Wybreg Foundation has been established since 1997 to further its mission: “To give to the culture, philosophy, arts, & society of the renaissance historical era an established community in which to explore the past, present, and future of humanity.” 

 Wybreg Foundation is a 501 C (3) nonprofit corporation mandated educational/museum. 

HISTORY: “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to stay overnight as a guest during a renaissance festival?” With that one question, the vision of Wybreg Village was born on the drive back from a renaissance festival in 1992. Soon, Wid Horner and Brock Wommack began researching their ideas with Greg L.; and the name Wybreg (Wid/Brock/Greg) established the concept.

Wid and Brock had a design studio in Des Moines that produced historic clothing and theatrical fittings. In 1995 they were asked to participate with the Program Committee for Salisbury House Foundation (DSM) to create an afternoon renaissance market in the circular drive of the mansion. A great success, the mansion & its grounds in a residential neighborhood limited any expansion of the event.

The Board of Directors agreed to an off site event to benefit the Salisbury House Foundation, and the Salisbury House May Festival in Water Works Park was premiered in May, 1996. Established to provide an outreach of public awareness for the Salisbury House and the merchants and performers of the national renaissance industry—it brought to both an awareness of the magnificent private renaissance art collection of the mansion.

Its success showed the feasibility of Wybreg Village. 

In 1997, Renaissance Foundation received its nonprofit status. A land search for the village throughout Iowa had been in process for several years. In 1998 the Foundation was introduced to the magnificent, rural Des Moines River valley in Van Buren County, 35 miles west of the Mississippi. 

In 1999, the premier of the Wybreg Village Renaissance Festival opened in June. The following year Renaissance Foundation hosted both a spring and fall festival for a total of 5 weekends. In June the Foundation was also awarded a $20K matching CATD Fund grant from the Iowa Dept of Economic Development for the Foundation’s architectural renderings of the Wybreg Great Hall & cultural center, and its market analysis. In Sept. 2002, both were received with positive praise. 

The Wybreg May Faire & Wybreg Great Hall Concerts bring outreach of the mission of Wybreg Foundation to the national renaissance community and the public of central Iowa.

Contact: Brock Wommack, Pres., PO Box 40, Bonaparte, IA 52620; 888-243-4340; wybreg.org

Help keep us online. Book your travel here, or patronize some of these folke:

1. Des Moines Ren Faire (IA)
2. Iowa Ren Festival (IA)
3. Iowa-Minnesota Pirate Fest (IA)
4. Greater Quad Cities Ren Faire (IL)
5. Midlands Pirate Festival (NE)
6. Nebraska Ren Faire (NE)
7. Ren Faire at Sleepy Hollow (IA)

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Permanent festivals in our area: Kansas City Renaissance Festival, Bristol Renaissance Faire, Des Moines Renaissance Faire and Minnesota Renaissance Festival.
Other ATF sites: DisneyFans.com DMHauntedHouses.com