More than 6,500 people visited the fictional town of Newcastle-upon-tyne while raising funds for teens and supporting the arts over the weekend.

On Saturday and Sunday the Folsom City Lions Park was transformed into a 16th century Elizabethan town full of belly dancing, magic, bodices, jousting and Shakespearian characters for the 17th annual Folsom Renaissance Faire.

All proceeds for the two day event benefited the “Friends of the Folsom Library” and the “CAVE Teen Centers” said Sarah Trobee, recreational director for City of Folsom Parks and Recreation.

The faire attracted people of all ages from throughout California — and many came in full Elizabethan wardrobe.

“We’ve had a good flow of people coming through. We weren’t sure (what to expect) after this week’s storm, but it’s going well,” Trobee said.

Trobee explained that Folsom’s Parks and Recreation staff worked overtime this week to clean the debris and water damage at the park following last week’s rainstorm in preparation of the faire.

“It really blows my mind because I see this place everyday as a city park and in these two days it’s turned into a mid-16th century masterpiece,” Trobee said.

Returning vender Laura Solano, of The Herb Shop, travels with numerous Renaissance faires to give Henna tattoos. After returning to the Folsom Renaissance Faire this year, Solano explained she had some returning customers looking forward to a new tattoo.

“We love it when people walk away happy with their tattoos,” Solano said. “We had one woman come to the faire today looking directly for us. It was great.”

While the vendors take part in the festivities by dressing in costume and speaking in true Renaissance tongue, so do many patrons.

Janet and Gary Hughes of Castro Valley started attending Renaissance fairs five years ago after their son invited them to one in the Bay Area — and after one weekend the couple was hooked.

“We are patrons out here supporting the arts,” Janet Hughes said. “So much of this (vendor merchandise) is handmade, so we want to get out here and support them.”

Janet explained that once they started buying Renaissance faire merchandise, it was hard to stop because it is a fun way to support the arts and spend a weekend back in time.

“This is a great faire (in Folsom) we really like it, I like that the profits go to charities,” Janet said.

The Hughes drove up to Folsom with their motor home to stay for the weekend event and explained that many times people stay for the full fair just as they did.

“We are always so amazed that there is never any violence at these fairs because there is alcohol and (costume) weapons,” she said. “But people are just here to have fun and meet up with old friends while supporting the arts.”