The parking lot was filled to capacity as a larger than expected number of guests showed-up for the first ever Midsummer Magick Renaissance Faire at Schreiber’s Farm in Oxford.
The faire began this past weekend and will continue to run the weekends of July 25 – 26 and August 1 – 2 from 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. New and acts and vendors will be showcased each week.
“This faire is unique in the fact that it is a medieval faire, more than a renaissance faire and takes place 100 years prior to the coming of King Arthur,” said Faire Coordinator Jeff Mach, 34, Hackensack, N.J.
To go along with the medieval theme, visitors can watch a “Bardic Battle,” which challenges bards to use their song and storytelling wits against each other. Daniel Greenwolf is this year’s resident bard and will be performing shows throughout the faire.
Children lined up at the knight’s encampment to fight the Brotherhood Knights of Gore, a non-profit organization which travels to summer camps and fairs to show children how to sword fight.
“We play with patrons, give them buffer (reenactment) swords, teach them skills, and continually practice. We get plenty of patrons that want to fight us and beat us up,” said brotherhood member Jeffery Evans, 33, Dudley, MA.
Many vendors gave the new faire with high marks.
“This is a great up and coming fair,” said vendor Linda Taylor of Fairie Tailor, which specializes in unique and hand crafted capes, hats, and costumes. Taylor and her husband have been creating renaissance clothing for 10 years.
Dianne Bergstedt of New Britain, Conn. learned about the faire through Facebook and also came to see her friend Julie Hahnke’s booth.
“They did a good job considering it’s their first year,” said Bergstedt.
To learn more about the faire visit http://midsummermagickfaire.com.
