Fit for a King
Visit a medieval marketplace at the 23rd Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire
A flag snaps back forth in the wind, emblazoned with a magnificent lion ready for battle. Cries of "Huzzah!" fill the air as a parade of nobles and knights makes its way toward the jousting ring. Only when a young child wearing jeans runs past waving a wooden sword do you realize you are not actually in a medieval marketplace.
Welcome to the 23rd Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, the closest one can get to time traveling without Doc and a DeLorean.
Each year, the City of Gainesville hosts a medieval fair that transports visitors to the time of King Arthur, a time when good triumphed over evil, and minstrels sang tales of valiant knights and beautiful princesses. At the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, visitors can experience a bustling medieval marketplace filled with 165 artisans, musicians playing ancient instruments, and what Linda Piper, City of Gainesville Division of Cultural Affairs events coordinator, called "a food court fit for a king."
This year, the faire boasts nine performance stages, presenting acts such as the "Danger Show," a high-drama performance by Dean Lassitter filled with cracking bullwhips and daring escapes. Other performances include the "Rat Catcher" comedy show and various acts that educate visitors about life in medieval times. Many stage shows are interactive, encouraging visitors to join the performers on stage as they entertain their audiences.
Visitors to the Faire who yearn for adventure may also find themselves atop a horse, elephant or even a camel. Animals were vital parts of medieval life, not only as pets, but also as hard-working helpers with the daily chores. Riding on an elephant is a rare thrill that gives the lucky person an impressive view of the hustle and bustle of the marketplace. Just keep an eye on the camels - they spit!
After hitching a ride on an exotic animal, visitors can hop into a pushcart powered by a person or head over to the Human Chess Match, a popular Faire attraction. The Chess Match features King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table in a battle against their evil adversaries. Visitors of all ages will enjoy cheering on the knights as they fight for victory on a giant chessboard.
A unique feature of the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire is its "G" rating, meaning the Faire is appropriate for all ages. Many fairs are known for their bawdiness, flaunting mugs of ale carried by wenches in tight corsets. The City of Gainesville wants its youngest and oldest residents to feel comfortable at all times as they experience medieval life firsthand. Wenches are exchanged for whimsically clad actors who mill about the marketplace, adding to the illusion of antiquity.
As visitors walk the aisles between vendors, elfish women with mysterious red eyes and men on stilts in flowing medieval garb pass by, their clothes brilliantly colored and intricately detailed. However, actors and artisans are not the only people who dress the part. Many visitors attend the Faire in elaborate costumes, while others get their faces painted or their body decorated with elaborate henna art. Coming dressed in period clothing allows visitors to feel truly a part of the medieval times.
"The Faire is a place where everyone is accepted, whether they are in Renaissance clothes or medieval clothes," said Bill Hutchinson, the Faire's entertainment director and amateur historian. "People feel safe to come to the Faire however they choose to dress."
The costumed artisans not only look like their medieval predecessors, but they also demonstrate their skills. The Faire coordinators treat the visiting artisans as honored guests during their stay in Gainesville, drawing a high caliber of artists. Leatherworkers, blacksmiths, potters, weavers, carvers and many other artists display their wares for visitors to admire and purchase as they experience the hubbub of a medieval marketplace.
Once Faire visitors have made their way through the marketplace, they will reach a ring where the heroes of the Faire - the knights and their faithful steeds - hold jousting performances. A group of professional jousters from Sarasota, Fla., the New Riders of the Golden Age, perform skills with their lances and compete in the Faire's daily jousting matches. The crowd cheers on the knights and horses as they watch them gallop past, clashing into each other and shattering lances.
In order to get the fullest experience at the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire, Piper and Hutchinson suggest visitors arrive when the gates open, as the Faire cast is assembled at the entrance for a meet and greet. After chatting with peasants and knights, elves and noblemen, visitors can spend the rest of the day exploring the marketplace and absorbing the cacophony of medieval smells, sights and sounds. §
Wendy Norman is a freelance writer living in Gainesville. She may be contacted through the editor: editor@towerpulbications.com
January 24-25, 30-31, and February 1, 2009
Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Adults - $12
Children (Ages 5-17) - $6
Children Under 5 - Free
Tickets half price on Friday, January 30
Advance ticket sales:
Omni Bookstore in Gainesville
Local Gator Domino's Pizza locations
Location:
Alachua County Fairgrounds
2900 NE 39th Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32609
Next to the Gainesville Regional Airport on SR 222
For More Information:
www.gvlculturalaffairs.org
