The first Upstate Renaissance Festival was a success and attracted 4,000 visitors at the two-day event. Organizers said the festival will be returning to the Chenango County Fairgrounds in 2024. (Photos by Tyler Murphy)

NORWICH — Huzzah! The first annual Upstate Renaissance Festival saw sweeping success with just under 4,000 attendees at the two-day event. Faire organizers said they’ll be returning to the Chenango County Fairgrounds next year for an even bigger and better event.

“We plan to be back! We are currently looking at dates with some of our important players and will make announcements as soon as those details are set,” said Organizer Heather Baker.

She said the faire received lots of positive feedback from attendees, as well as some suggestions to make future events even better. The top requests were more shaded seating and a faster admission process.

“We had a few kinks that didn’t allow us to get all of the seating where it was planned to be for day one, but we had it sorted out for day two,” Baker said. “We also had requests for more cash registers to get the entry line moving faster, and we already have a plan in the works to improve the admissions area.”

“We held a debrief meeting with our vendors and performers after close of faire on Sunday, and received great feedback from them as well. We had an amazing bunch of people who are eager to continue helping USRF grow,” she added.