AMES, Iowa — Two Iowa State University students came up with the idea of a local Renaissance faire last year, and its growth is beyond what they could’ve imagined.

Kaley McCombs, an organizer, was just a freshman when they hosted the first Ames Renaissance Faire last spring. Last year, they sold around 700 tickets just before the opening day.

Now, the event is bigger and better with over 40 vendors and four performance areas.

One of the performances is called Bawdy Buccaneers, where three pirates showcase stage combat with real swords. Attendees may recall seeing the Bawdy Buccaneers at the Sleepy Hallow Renaissance Faire in previous years.

Buddy Jackson said he’s proud to call the Ames Renaissance Faire his home faire. Their show also likes to spread the message that women can be pirates, too.

“Women can do everything, that’s our message,” he said.

They perform at the Captains Quarter stage on Sunday at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.

Archer Flynn is another performer at the Ames Renaissance Faire. His set showcases music and comedy, and he likes to involve his audience.

The Idaho-based performer was scouted by the faire this year. A performance he did in Idaho went viral, garnering millions of views online. This caught the attention of the faire organizers, who asked him to come to Iowa.

While this is his first visit to the Hawkeye State, he said he’s had a great experience at the faire.

“[My favorite thing about the faire has] been the people… Here, I have found friends and comrades, alike,” he said.

Food vendors are also a popular stand at the faire. This year there are three different food vendors, including Mucky Duck.

The pub has been an Ames staple for over a decade, and they love to be out in community events.

“One of the big things for the pub is supporting local,” said Alesdair McGhee.

McGhee said their best-sellers are the fish and chips.

There are also plenty of vendors who sell medieval props. Sigr is one of the vikings who attendees can see tunics, cloaks, hand-torched blades, headpieces with horns, and more.

Sigr said he attended the event during its inaugural year last year and loved the community. Last year’s event was also his single most successful weekend in his career at that time. He was excited to return to Ames for another year.

The event kicked off on Saturday, with over 1,500 people attending.

People are still welcomed to travel back in time to the medieval era on Sunday from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. One-day tickets are $15.

The Ames Renaissance Faire is located at the Haunted Forest, at 1400 South Fourth Street in Ames. More information can be found on their website.