Congratulations to core Wild Idaho Rising Tide (WIRT) activists, friends, and founding musicians of the Moscow Volunteer Peace Band, Jeanne McHale and Fritz Knorr, whom the Moscow Renaissance Fair has selected as the 2016 Queen and King of this 43rd annual celebration of spring [1-3]!  Moscow area residents since 1980 and married almost 40 years, the royal couple have worked at Washington State University as teachers and researchers, played the melodica, tuba, and other instruments in the Peace Band, and performed with other ensembles.  They have devoted their exuberant energies over the years toward developing solar energy and educating youth about it, organizing “Ren Fair” events like the main parade, and effectively contributing through important roles toward various environmental and social justice groups and causes.  The monarchs declare:

“We are so thrilled to preside over this year’s Moscow Renaissance Fair as King and Queen!  Let there be music and Spring and joy!”

“King Fritz and Queen Jeanne decree that the weather this weekend will be gorgeous, and there will be peace, love, and happiness as we celebrate Spring!”

Review the linked local articles, websites, and facebook pages for further information about the Ren Fair Queen and King, their long-overdue, well-deserved honor as one of the best royalty choices ever, and the free, public fair that runs from 10 am to 9 pm on Saturday, April 30, and from 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday, May 1, at East City Park, 900 East Third Street in Moscow, Idaho.  The unique, regional, self-sustaining festival features live music and dancing, a new beer and wine garden, activities for children, and many craft vendors and non-profit food booths.

Please gather at 9:30 am on Saturday, April 30, around the East City Park entrance arch, near the corner of East Third and South Monroe streets, with Peace Band and WIRT members and admirers of Jeanne and Fritz and their myriad years of serving and working with the community.  Participate with optional, whimsically Spring costumes to support their lively grand entry and promenade in their official attire of lilac gown, burgundy outfit, and accompanying headgear.  Then applaud their royal awesomeness at the welcome ceremony of the King and Queen at the Peter Basoa Stage.  Visit Fritz and Jeanne throughout fair hours at their canvas throne room facing that stage in their wonderful realm, to bask in their benevolent reign and share and enjoy the fun!

When you get hungry at the Moscow Renaissance Fair this weekend, head over to the KRFP Radio Free Moscow food booth offering meat and vegetable gyros and other delicious food and drinks!  WIRT activists are staffing food preparation and service shifts as Gyro Heroes at the stand, where you can support the volunteer, community station, progressive and free speech values, and even regional climate activist collective WIRT, by purchasing lunch or dinner or offering a generous donation.  WIRT gratefully hosts the Climate Justice Forum radio program on KRFP every Wednesday between 1:30 and 3 pm PDT, live at 90.3 FM and online, covering continent-wide climate activism and community opposition to fossil fuel energy projects.

All hail Queen Jeanne and King Fritz!

[1] Royal Couple Readies for Ren Fair, April 28, 2016 Moscow-Pullman Daily News

[2] Moscow Renaissance Fair, Moscow Renaissance Fair website

[3] 43rd Annual Moscow Renaissance Fair, Moscow Renaissance Fair facebook event