HARVEYSBURG — The continued presence of Ohio's Renaissance Festival may help achieve the renaissance of Harveysburg itself. After some jousting in the past, the annual mediaeval fair and the tiny Warren County village have realized that their interests are best served by working together.

        The festival, which opened its 12th annual two-month run last weekend, draws up to 175,000 people to Harveysburg, which has 500 residents. Because it brings vast increases in traffic
and water usage, the two-month festival could have taxed the village's patience as well as its resources.

IF YOU GO

What: Ohio Renaissance Festival   When: Weekends and Labor Day through Oct. 21   Where: Off Ohio 73 just east of Harveysburg   Admission: $13.95 adult, $7 ages 5-12   Special: Kids are free this weekend Information: (513) 897-7000 or www.renfestival.com

        But the little village welcomes the big festival. After all, it pumps $25,000 annually directly into a village budget that totals $140,000. It also means thousands of dollars in related spending at Harveysburg businesses, and hundreds of temporary weekend jobs for local resi dents as well as some extra pay for police.

        “I have no problems with the Renaissance,” said Mayor Ray Roberts. “I go every year myself. And with all that traffic out on (Ohio) 73, it actually slows the speeders down a bit.”

        For his part, festival owner Peter Carroll said: “We are proud to be part of Harveysburg and its residents are our friends land neighbors.”

        The neighbors almost went their separate ways a few years ago when Harveysburg proposed a tax on tickets sold at the festival. Mr. Carroll threatened to find another location.

        Negotiations produced a 25-year agreement in which the festival pays Harveysburg an annual community development fee. The fee started at $20,000 in 1998 and increases by $1,000 each year. In addition, the Renaissance Festival pays the village an annual $25 fee for each of its vendors. The license fees generate $2,500 to $3,000.

        “The money helps this village run,” Mr. Roberts said.

        But there are other benefits to having a seasonal attraction.

        “A lot of Harveysburg people actually work at the Renaissance Festival,” said Joseph Posani , a sculptor who brings his craft to the fair. “The past mayor worked there for several years. Members of the Harveysburg police force work there as the security force during their off hours. It's a nice little benefit for them.”

        Festival staff say the event employs several hundred area people in food and beverage service, entertainment, traffic control and parking, maintenance and other services. Craft booths often take on extra personnel. These part-time employees earn about $6 per hour and work about 20 days.

        “It puts our young kids to work,” said Mr. Roberts.

        The Renaissance Festival also has put Harveysburg on the map and, adds the mayor, its positive image may spark growth. Not only is the festival park now inside its boundary; several farmers have inquired about having Harveysburg annex their property.

        Then there's the economic boost from the festival crew. During the eight to nine weeks they work the Harveysburg event, vendors and craftspeople patronize area businesses and try to support the community.

        “Harveysburg has one little store that sells things like beer and pop. I bet their sales triple while we're here,” said Judy Posani.

        “They treat us very well here, and we try to give a positive impression in everything we do outside the fair,” said Dara Lostetter of Melting Dragon Candles.

        Ohio's Renaissance Festival, like others around the nation, invites visitors to experience the atmosphere and culture of Elizabethan England.

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