JoMarie Dugan found herself struggling with what kind of fundraiser she could create to support the Prairie Players Theatre Academy, an educational entertaining group in central Illinois. Then one night, she dreamt about a renaissance festival. With literally $1.39 in her pocket, she proceeded to create what would become the Illinois Renaissance Festival.

Dugan, the director of the Illinois Renaissance Festival, or IRF, has been putting the festivals together since 2003 and attributes her inspiration to her love of history and theater.

“I do not get paid for this. I have not been paid since 1997,” Dugan said. “My pleasure is to see the performances and see everyone have a good time.”

Every year, a portion of their revenue is donated to a different charity, and this year’s IRF donations are being given to Habitat for Humanity. Kittye Williams, assistant director of IRF, emphasized the purpose of IRF as a fundraiser that “brings to life 16th century England wherein patrons can step back in time to forget their cares, worries and stresses, and remember what it is like to laugh and enjoy life.”

A lot of entertainment will be provided, which includes weapon demonstrations, a gypsy encampment with belly dancers and fire eaters, village carriage rides and “war horse” rides.

The festival also offers a “King Henry’s Parliamentary Political Smoker” event in which local politicians will compete in several games. Vendors at the festival will be selling various items such as food, jewelry and pottery, and there will be music entertainment including singers and minstrels playing music.

Dugan also said that there will be a Viking demonstration and Shakespeare comedy group, as well as a children’s area with kid-friendly games and food.

The main entertainment of the festival, however, is Rodney Woodworth’s portrayal of King Henry VIII. The festival itself is intended to resemble a country village during King Henry VIII’s reign.

Dugan said that it is the interaction of the entertainers with the visitors which sets this Renaissance festival apart from others, especially Woodworth’s approachability with patrons.

“I’ve been to festivals where the entertainers have their noses up in the air and don’t talk to anyone,” Dugan said. “King Henry was loved by the common man and Rodney portrays that well. You ought to see him with the children. It’s wonderful, and you don’t see that type of interacting in a lot of places.”

Woodworth said that a common misconception with King Henry VIII is that he was an “ogre who killed his wives,” but in reality, he was a much more complex person. Besides his influence on medicine and hygiene, Woodworth said his character greatly influenced his kingdom both politically and religiously.

“He was this very athletic, ambitious, and passionate person,” Woodworth said. “He loved women, food, politics, and his children fiercely, and he had this love of life and loved to laugh.”

Woodworth’s presence as an influential figure, along with the other entertainers, is intended to serve an educational purpose.

“A lot of people are coming because it’s a learning experience,” Woodworth said.

The festival takes place on Aug. 28 and 29 from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Danville’s Ellsworth Park. General admission is $6 for adults. Twenty-four vendors and 22 performing groups will be present, including Paragon Jousting team, which will provide entertainment at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on both days.