Step Into the Old English Fair! Inside Stronghold’s Castle, Camp & Renaissance Festival

Step into a world of castles, costumes, Renaissance-inspired entertainment, and family fun on this episode of Along the Rock!

Host Kierstyn Long sits down with Dr. Danny Pierce, executive director of Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center, to learn more about the history of Stronghold, its mission as a summer camp and retreat center, and the annual Old English Fair.

Located along the Rock River just outside Oregon, Illinois, Stronghold is home to a historic castle built between 1928 and 1929 by Walter Strong, the former owner and publisher of the Chicago Daily News. Today, the property serves as a camp, retreat center, and gathering place for thousands of visitors each year.

The Old English Fair is one of Stronghold’s biggest annual events and helps raise money for camp scholarships and summer camp staff.

🏰 OLD ENGLISH FAIR 2026
📅 Saturday, October 3 & Sunday, October 4
⏰ 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days
📍 Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center, just outside Oregon, Illinois

Visitors can enjoy live performances, approximately 50 vendors, food trucks, Renaissance-inspired costumes, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Costumes are encouraged, especially for children who want to experience the castle as their own medieval adventure.

🎟️ Admission:
• Adults: $10
• Children ages 5-12: $5
• Children under 5: Free

Stronghold also offers summer camp activities including a ropes course, zipline, swimming pool, canoeing, archery, Bible studies, and arts and crafts, along with retreat and camping opportunities throughout the year.

Learn more about Stronghold and discover why the Old English Fair has become a fall tradition in the Oregon community.

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to Along the Rock

00:14 Meet Dr. Danny Pierce

00:30 What Is Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center?

00:52 The History of Stronghold Castle

01:25 From Summer Home to Summer Camp

02:20 The Old English Fair

02:49 Supporting Camp Scholarships

03:02 Bringing Cultures Together at Stronghold

03:46 The History of the Old English Fair

04:40 What to Expect at the Renaissance Faire

05:03 Food, Vendors & Turkey Legs

05:33 Shopping Around the Castle

06:13 Dressing Up for the Fair

06:51 Accessibility & Shuttle Service

07:11 Buying Tickets Online

07:39 Admission Prices

08:15 Supporting Summer Camp & Local Jobs

08:42 Vendor Information

09:17 What Stronghold Offers Year-Round

10:05 Summer Camp Activities

10:46 Danny’s Favorite Part of the Fair

11:18 The Closing Revelry

11:45 Final Thoughts

11:58 Closing

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