The Medieval Fair is the 4th largest event in the state and the state's largest weekend event. It was selected by Events Media Network as one of the top one hundred events in the nation. The 32nd annual Medieval Fair is scheduled for April 4, 5 and 6 at Reaves Park in Norman. The park is on Jenkins Avenue, just north of Highway 9 East. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This living history fair features over 200 art and craft booths, food concessions, games, educational exhibits, craft demonstrations and a vast array of entertainment.
Brightly costumed performers entertaining in the true style of the Middle Ages include minstrels, jugglers, dancers, and armored knights in combat. Entertainment includes Istanpitta, The Merry Sisters, Arabesque, Harmless T Jester, Brother Donald the Storyteller, Queen's Gambit, Emerald Flame, Redland Rogues, traditional dancing, Norman Singers and The Bilge Pumps. Highlights of the Fair are jousting tournaments presented by the Arthurian Order of Avalon with knights on horseback, scheduled 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day, and human chess games scheduled for 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day. Performances are continuous on six stages. Weddings are scheduled at 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Held at Minstrel Circle, the ceremonies and wedding attire will be authentic for the Middle Ages. Cody Clark will officiate the 2 weddings, and Drs. Tom and Barbara Boyd will officiate the 4 wedding.
Games for all ages include camel and elephant rides, a hand-cranked medieval swing carousel, wax hands and face-painting. Craft demonstrations of brass rubbing, blacksmithing, chainmaille making, soap making, woodworking, and armor-making will be presented. Educational exhibits and presentations about life in the Middle Ages will be offered. The Fair's Royal Court will greet visitors along with other street characters such as the Feather Man, King's Toy, King Arthur, mermaids and strolling minstrels. Demonstrations and activities will be presented by the Society for Creative Anachronism, the University of Central Oklahoma Medieval Society, St. Gregory's University and the School of Stage Combat.
The public is invited to enter the costume contest scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Camelot Stage. Prizes will be awarded to the best costumes in men's, women's and children's categories.
Food concessions offer homemade fruit and chicken salad crepes, Bodacious Burritos, Scottish baked goods, gyros, Indian tacos, funnel cakes, strudel, cinnamon roasted almonds, roasted corn and smoked turkey legs. Handcrafted root beer, sarsaparilla and cream soda will also be available.
Free fair parking is available on the east side Lloyd Noble Center on Jenkins Avenue, located one block south of Reaves Park. Visitors coming from outside Norman are advised to take I-35 to Highway 9 East, then north on Jenkins Ave. Due to federal regulations, shuttle service will not be available this year. Parking for vehicles with handicap permits will be available on the park grounds. Dogs are allowed but owners should be advised that leash and waste removal regulations will be enforced on the park grounds.
Journey to an age of kings, queens and knights in shining armor at the Medieval Fair, one of Oklahoma's most unique family events. Admission is free. For more information call the Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau at 366-8095 or 1-800-767-7260. You may also visit the Fair's Web site at www.medievalfair.org.
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