The History of Faire Wynds Entertainments
Faire Wynds Historical Entertainment was started in 1994 by Eric Scites.
Armed with a degree in Opera Performance from THE Ohio State University, a love of history, and an ability to draw the attention of everyone in the room, - Eric set out to demonstrate not only the musical entertainment of early America. But that focus would quickly branch out to show-off … that is, to demonstrate the other entertainments that existed in early America. It wouldn’t be long before the fire-breathing, opera singing, fast talking, quick-witted, swindling escompteur had made a name for himself on the reenacting circuit.
Using his family – (that is, employing their help) - Eric worked to recreate the same circuses history mentions: A married couple and just a few children. Lucky for him, he and his wife, Susan, had exactly two children who were THRILLED to be a part of their dad’s entertaining endeavors.
Corwin would be the juggler and perform amazing feats upon a bed of iron spikes, while Virginia would be blessed with the same musical talent as her father, and as ‘The Girl Turk’ would ascend and descend a ladder of swords, barefooted, and to the amazement of all who witnessed the feat of her feet. Susan would be a ‘Lady Samson’ allowing a paving stone to be smashed upon her chest, having a flaming, burning torch shoved in her mouth, and whatever other ‘general assisting’ duties the wife of the ringmaster required.
Over the years, Faire Wynds expanded to include not only the 18th Century circus, but a 19th century Medicine Show, a Flea Circus, aptly titled ‘Virginia’s Vermin’, a Cabinet of Curiosities, and Scoundrel’s Alley. Eric's goal was always to ‘educate, amuse, and entertain’, and rarely did a member of the public leave his presence without having experienced at least one of those things.
It has been said that a legend knows when it is time to leave, and Eric was no different. After 32 years of performance and education, Eric passed away unexpectedly on March 4th, 2023. He left a black void in the world of historical entertainment, and his presence has been greatly missed by all (which is exactly how he would want it to be).
But the efforts at the heart of Faire Wynds have not been lost. Scoundrel’s Alley, a collabration begun in 2019 by Eric and Susan with their good friends Frank and Carol Jarboe, continues to exist and expand today, carrying along the idea to educate, amuse, and entertain through the lenses of the underbelly of early American society.
The Glass Harp, a musical passion project of Eric’s, continues as well with Virginia now at the helm.
Historical Entertainments .....Yes, Even Yesterday Counts!
Faire Wynds Historical Entertainments revives the fine and questionable traditions of itinerant showmen, quacks, conjurors, lecturers, and musical marvels from centuries past — because someone has to keep history properly entertained.
Our performances draw inspiration from Renaissance streets, colonial fairs, 19th-century medicine shows, dime museums, and the golden age of traveling variety acts — that noble era when a good hat, a loud voice, and absolute confidence were considered proper credentials.
Yesterday, you may have seen:
A Medicine Show dispensing cures of dubious efficacy but undeniable enthusiasm.
A Flea Circus featuring astonishing feats of microscopic athleticism (the fleas are highly trained; the management less so).
Curiosities and oddities in the grand dime museum tradition — proof that people have always paid to be amazed, puzzled, or gently deceived.*
- Magic, juggling, feats of balance, and spectacle, all rooted in historical performance practice and presented with a straight face whenever possible.
- Music! And at the heart of Faire Wynds, the luminous music of Virginia Scites on the Glass Harp — coaxing celestial tones from crystal goblets in a manner so refined that even the rowdiest fairground tends to fall respectfully silent.*
- Every program is family-friendly, historically grounded, and adaptable to festivals, schools, museums, and events of nearly any description. Because whether the year is 1626, 1826, or 2026… people still enjoy being astonished.*
- And as the journey continues, you will also find these traditions carried forward through Scoundrel’s Alley and Parson John — kindred endeavors devoted to bringing history to life with learning, laughter, and just enough mischief to keep it honest.*
Educational? Certainly.
Entertaining? We make every effort.
Entirely sensible? That was never the goal.
*Visit to learn more about The Glass Harp, Scoundrel's Alley, and Parson John Living History.
