It Started with a Question
For our "faire-family," how many times have you gone to a renaissance faire-type event and seen fairies flitting around and having cute little tea parties and thought "I'm not sure that is actually accurate but at least it gives the kids something to do?" We thought that too, but want to share about what the real beliefs were.
This nonprofit was birthed through a love of our faire-family and the communities we live in.
Each member of our Board of Directors and Executive Leadership team come with more than 15 years of experience with faires - Some with over 35 years. We are a blend of Merchants, Executive Leaders, Demonstrators, and Entertainers - giving us a strong foundation to launch this passionate new organization.
LORE's goal is to host our first spectacular and respectfully managed event in the Inland Northwest in April of 2027. This event will focus on teaching the folklore, legends, myths and beliefs of predominantly Northern and Western European cultures.
Many faires and events throughout the INW and PNW focus on a particular historical time-period and what happened but not the beliefs that the peoples really held - the thoughts that guided their daily actions.
Our organization is happy to be focused on teaching this lore - even the darker truths.
Our Team. Our Values.
Our Board of Directors consists of 5 members on alternating 2-year terms. The nonprofit launched with a passionate vision in March of 2025. The fervor and experience in this group lend us the expertise to focus on the vision of the organization and set it up to THRIVE!
Some of our CORE values include:
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Genuinely wishing the best for other events and leaders - there is no need to compete when we could help
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Learning from mistakes - a focus on personal and organizational growth
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Selecting capable Directors for each role and in turn the Board selecting Executive Leaders we put our faith in to see the vision come to life
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Building community between faires, communities and businesses too
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Offering the chance to include and partner with other non-profits in our area.
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Teaching history in an immersive manner unlike anything else in the INW.
Matthew Harrison
President
Lord Matthew has been honored to work at and attend renaissance faires, SCA events and other festivals in Idaho, Washington, Montana, Oregon, California, Nevada and Michigan. He has been the Executive Director of two Renaissance/Medieval faires in other cities and appreciates the faires as well as those faire-family members that put in the work to make them come to life!
With a BA in Business Management and more than 17 years in the Hospitality Industry with various financial and management roles, Lord Matthew comes with the background of a well-educated Laird - the type who genuinely cares for those he is responsible for and wishes for them to thrive!
Lord Matthew relocated to the beauty of North Idaho from his Central Washington home in 2017 and has continued to travel to faires and events throughout Idaho, Montana, Washington and Oregon since.
Hilary Padilla
Secretary
Mistress Hilary favored the winding ways of Renaissance Faires at the tender age of fifteen, performing in noble courts and plying her wares as a vendor of fine and fanciful goods. With over three decades steeped in the revelry and rhythm of faire life, she is a seasoned soul who has danced through dust and delight, and calls the fairefolk her second family.
By day in the modern realm, she is a learned lady, bearing a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s in the Art of Communication. Her wisdom has served both the halls of learning and the healing houses, and she now lends her talents to the intricate world of medical risk management.
Mistress Hilary is also a devoted matron to two radiant young women and the beloved wife of a most inventive gentleman. When not abroad in the shire, she may be found in her enchanted hobbit hole, crafting marvelous treasures to bring joy to others.
With a heart full of mirth and a mind sharp as a rapier, she continues to champion the spirit of community, creativity, and merriment wherever she roams.
Being Announced Soon!
Treasurer
Yep, the money second-set-of-eyes for accountability person!
Matthew VanZee
Regulations Chair
An award-winning magician, and performer, Matthew, has now performed for over 35 years. Nine of those years were performing full-time. Matthew performed at faires, festivals, and private parties, entertaining people of all ages across North America. He is a multi-talented performer also known for his stilt-walking, and prop building for other local and international magicians. Matthew also spent 12 years with the C.B.'s (construction battalion) with the Navy reserves. Many years working in construction and around ten years in different management positions from restaurant to retail have given him different insights into event management that is appreciated.
Currently Open
Education Chair
This role is one that encourages educational connection between what we do as a nonprofit and the immersion we wish to provide to our attendees
can be found on the FAQ's page. More questions? Email: admin@echoesoflore.com
Frequently Asked Questions about the Board of Directors
ABOUT US
In the spirit of unity and accountability, our organization wishes to be transparent with the faire-family and community from the very beginning. Below you will find documents and you can see what is coming next on the calendar as well. Should you ever have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.