Days of Fantasy and Fun
Medieval Faire Set for October
Story by Patricia Forrest, Photos by Avr Guillaume Roy
If you’re up for a day or two of merriment, mysticism, and adventure, you won’t want to miss the Thunder Bay Medieval Faire, being held at the Hymers Fairgrounds October 10 and October 11 from 10 am to 6 pm. Inspired by the very successful fair held last year at the Murillo Fairgrounds, the fair will have you at the edge of your seat. Watch real live jousters on horseback, perhaps saunter down the catwalk in a medieval outfit, explore a living history encampment, sample delicious wares, learn about falconry and historical skills, enjoy live music and dancing, or browse through unique arts and crafts,
The fair is being staged in partnership with the Knights of Valour, who will also be the event’s headliners. Knights of Valour are the largest extreme full-contact jousting company in the world, and they’ll mount their steeds to put on two jousts and hours of warhorse rides for attendees each day. And these knights are the real deal, says Bob Gravelle, the fair’s director of communications and marketing. “This is not playacting, nor is it choreographed. This is a real sport that sees the participants fall to the ground with a resounding thump at times. It’s fast paced and very exciting,” he says.
Local musicians will entertain both on the main stage and throughout the grounds during the weekend, and there will be Ceilidh dances, an interactive kids’ corner, portrait and face painting, an exhibitor who stages fantasy-themed vow renewals, a medieval fashion show, live action role playing activities, games, and craft demonstrations.
Merchandise vendors will include Timeless Leather, offering handmade leather goods, Kat’s Gnomeland, with handcrafted polymer clay gnomes and figurines, and The Adventurers Guild, a fantasy item shop with handmade treasures including wooden swords and axes, props, themed clothing, and even plush weaponry for kids. The renowned designer and artist Joyce Seppala will also be there with her surreal, eco-friendly designs including coats, tunics, and streetwear, as will be Chimera’s Hoard, a guild of Thunder Bay artisans crafting leather goods and medieval-inspired accessories, and Urban Hermit Woodcraft, a couple who create such pieces of art as wizard staffs, dice towers, charcuterie boards, and more.
There will be lots of baking, soup, sweet treats, warm food, and drinks. Food vendors will include Willow Springs, Witchy Kitchen, Hearthstone Breads, Copper Kettle Coffee House, and The Choco Fantasy, among many others.
Admission is $28 for the day and $38 for the weekend for adults, $15 and $20 for youth 13 to 17, $10 and $15 for kids 6 to 12, and free for children five and under.
Gravelle predicts that the fair will have you shouting “huzzah.” “If last year’s renaissance faire was any indication, people are going to have a magical time,” he says. “This is an event where craftspeople, artists and performers with a love of history and adventure come together to offer something very special. People will be in awe.”
For more information, visit tbaymedievalfaire.ca.
