2026 Warren County Visitors Guide - Digital - Flipbook - Page 25
Ch e r
y
Ba l e l
s
People from the
Playground
Armed with a legendary collection of more than 100 daily shows,
200 costumed performers, 150 craft shops and enough era-inspired
eats to feed a medieval army, the Ohio Renaissance Festival has
long been regarded as a can’t-miss marvel of the Midwest’s fall
festival scene.
The 4th largest gathering of its kind in the United States and one
of Travel Channel's top festivals nationwide, the annual royal affair
draws loyal crowds of creatively costumed fest-goers year in and
year out and has only continued to grow in both size and popularity
since first opening its gates in 1990.
Coordinating such an epic affair, of course, is no small task,
and for more than 25 years much of that regal responsibility
has fallen on Marketing Director Cheryl Bales – the Queen
behind the scenes at the Ohio Renaissance Festival.
So many people love Renaissance Festivals, but very few turn that
love into a lifelong career. How did you initially get your start and
what do you enjoy most about your job?
Like many great Renaissance Festival stories, it started with what
was meant to be “ just for a season.” I came in as a marketing intern
expecting a short-term adventure and quickly discovered that the
Ohio Renaissance Festival has a way of capturing people’s hearts.
One season turned into two, and before I knew it, I was learning
every facet of the operation, from guest experience and marketing
to problem-solving on the fly.
The festival isn’t just a workplace; it’s a community, and once you’re
part of it, it’s hard to imagine leaving. What I enjoy most is the
combination of creativity and impact. Very few careers allow you
to help build an entire world, then watch thousands of guests step
into it and genuinely disconnect from everyday life.
For years now the Ohio Renaissance Festival has ranked among
the nation’s very best. What puts Ohio’s RenFest above the rest?
What truly sets the Ohio Renaissance Festival apart is the
balance between scale and soul. We’re large enough to offer
an incredible variety of entertainment, food and shopping,
yet we work very intentionally to ensure the experience still
feels personal, welcoming and immersive.
When you aren’t on site, where else might folks find you enjoying
your time in Warren County?
Scan the code to
read Cheryl's full
interview!
You’ll most likely find me doing what I encourage our guests to do:
exploring and enjoying all that Warren County has to offer. One of
the great things about this area is the variety, like charming small
towns, beautiful parks and no shortage of local flavor.
I always recommend spending time in historic downtown
Waynesville for its shops, antiques and dining, or heading to
Loveland to enjoy the bike trail and riverfront. Outdoor lovers can’t
go wrong with Caesar Creek State Park for hiking, boating or simply
unwinding. For food and drink, Warren County has a growing mix of
local restaurants, breweries and coffee spots that are well worth a
stop. Warren County has a way of surprising people in the best way.
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