AMES, Iowa — With just one week left to go preparations for the 2nd annual Ames Renaissance Faire are underway including some bigger and better additions.

The second annual Ames Renaissance Faire takes place April 12th-13th, and performers and vendors say it’s going to be quite the event. Held by Iowa State University students, the faire offers an opportunity to put their hard-earned skills to use.

Kaley McCombs, an Ames Ren Faire Organizer, says they are excited to bring something into the community and have been met with massive support.

“It’s actually really great because all of my teachers are very, they’re very proud of this, and they’re very proud of me and they’re very supportive, and they just have been very helpful and with everything,” said McCombs. “I think I’ve been able to manage everything well and just I’ve had a good support system from my advisors and teachers up at Iowa State.”

This year over 40 vendors are set to attend with three stages and two encampments set up. A schedule of events can be found here.

Alasdair McGhee, Mucky Duck, says this year offers more opportunities and will hopefully draw in people who may not normally gravitate towards a renaissance faire.

“I’m very excited to experience something new and I’m looking forward to it, hoping it’s going to be a bit busy and me and loads of new people in the local community and maybe some people that have never experienced the market again,” said McGhee. “A little taste of what we’re about and hopefully bring in a new demographic to the market as well as a customer base.”

The costume contest takes place Saturday will Ravenscroft Musicke Guilde performing during the sacred music show on Sunday.

Brent “Molotov” Allan, a performer who attended last year, says they are excited to return with some exciting Stupid Human Tricks.

“What they have pulled off is nothing short of miraculous. You know, last year we weren’t sure what to expect and the attendance was great,” said Allan. “Everything ran so smoothly and honestly; the Ames fair runs more smoothly than a lot of the fairs that I’ve been to that are run by professionals that have been doing this for decades.”

The Ames Ren Faire runs April 12th -13th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1400 South Fourth street in Ames. Tickets for the Ren Faire can be purchased on the website or on Facebook.