Whispering Grove Faire opens in Kountze

KOUNTZE — Opening weekend of the Whispering Grove Faire drew crowds from across Southeast Texas and beyond as the Renaissance festival launched at its new permanent home on 33 acres in Kountze, marking a major step forward after its early run in Kirbyville. Owners Michael Burch and Chy Burch said the event began as a proof of concept on leased property in Kirbyville, where it operated for several seasons before outgrowing the space. The new site allows for expansion, though the current footprint uses about four acres, with an additional 11 acres dedicated to camping. “We like the small faire charm,” Chy Burch said. That charm appeared intact as many vendors and performers from Kirbyville made the move. Organizers said nearly all returning vendors joined the relocation, helping establish continuity. About 40 vendors filled the grounds, including at least one traveling from California, while patrons visited from as far as Oklahoma. Michael Burch said the faire is intentionally scheduled to avoid overlap with other Renaissance festivals. “We are very supportive of small faires,” he said. He added that talent recruitment often comes from scouting performers at other events and through word of mouth. “We like the acts that other people haven’t discovered,” he said. Among the vendors were Brett Farley and Stephanie Faulkner, who sell handmade artwork. Both said the move improved the atmosphere and turnout. “Much more woods faire vibe, it’s a much better vibe,” Faulkner said. “When we heard that this was coming about we jumped on the opportunity.” Farley said attendance exceeded expectations compared to the previous location. Live entertainment anchored the weekend, including performances by Circus Dracul, a comedic juggling duo blending knife tricks, magic and crowd interaction. The act featured knife balancing, juggling and throwing, often simultaneously, drawing laughter and engagement from both children and adults. Performer Jay Blackwell, known on stage as, Lucian Dracul, said no two shows are the same. With two decades of experience in circuses and Renaissance festivals, he also serves as entertainer coordinator for the faire. “We are looking for acts and talents to grow with us,” he said. Another standout act was Abbey on Fire, who debuted “History of Fire,” a performance combining storytelling, fire dancing and staged combat with flaming weapons. Despite minor line stumbles, the act held the audience’s attention with high energy and visual spectacle, including choreography set to an instrumental version of Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy.” Abbey said she trained under performers with Solar Rain at the Texas Renaissance Festival and now works independently. “This is great. I can see the audience, I can see the kids’ reactions in real time,” she said. Combat demonstrations also drew strong crowds at the Battle Mound, where members of the Haughton Hussars of Shreveport, Louisiana, competed in full-contact armored fighting known as buhurt. The matches featured real steel weapons and armor under strict safety rules, with winners decided by crowd vote. “It can go shot for shot with Faire of Champions,” fighter Malachi Alexander said of Whispering Grove. The team, which has followed the faire since its Kirbyville days, competes across Texas and Louisiana. Members emphasized the unscripted nature of the bouts and the variety between teams. Music added to the atmosphere, with acts such as The Wandering Bard roaming the grove and A Pair of Pirates performing sea shanties and comedic songs throughout the day. Patrons praised the event’s accessibility and atmosphere. Madison Payne, a Lumberton High School student familiar with Renaissance festivals, said the location was a benefit. “I’m glad that it’s closer than the big one,” she said. Elizabeth Bell, attending her first faire, called it “a new experience.” Trey Quanrud of Sabine Pass described the weekend as “positively wonderful,” noting the walkable layout and natural setting. “You can tell they love what they do,” he said. Haley Stromberg of Port Neches, also attending her first faire, highlighted the friendly environment and affordability. Looking ahead, organizers plan to expand offerings, including a fall season. “We are going to have a fall season,” Michael Burch said. With strong attendance, returning vendors and positive feedback from both performers and patrons, Whispering Grove Faire’s opening weekend signaled a successful transition and a foundation for future growth in Hardin County. Whispering Grove Faire will run every weekend till May 17 at 2785 FM 770.