Trial of Renaissance Festival's Hagerman set for March

The case of a Renaissance Festival manager charged with rape is set for trial on March 26.

Sixty-year-old Carr Hagerman, the festival's former entertainment director, is accused of raping a female photographer on the festival grounds last year.

After he was charged, two other women sued the festival organizers. The lawsuit alleges the company fostered a sexually charged, hostile work environment.

Hagerman worked for the Renaissance Festival for 40 years and was known for his role as the "Ratcatcher," a filthy character known for hurling insults at festival patrons.

Prosecutors are asking Scott County District Judge Rex Stacey to allow evidence at trial showing Hagerman engaged in other acts, including inviting younger female workers over for dinner under the guise of negotiating their contracts. Those witnesses, who are not named in a court document, allege the evenings ended in sexual encounters.

A court hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 12. Hagerman has denied any wrongdoing.