Norman — Jousting, weddings, knighting and more. Reaves Park in Norman will come to life with the merriment of medieval times beginning next weekend.
In its 34th year, the Medieval Fair will run 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily March 26-28. Six stages will host performers from various parts of the country who specialize in bringing this time period to life.
“We have quite a few new performers this year,” said Linda Linn, coordinator of the Medieval Fair.
Wolgemut, one of those new performers, Linn described as "high energy." The group focuses on the German medieval period, a change since most of the costumes and the performers from the past have stemmed from western European medieval culture.
Rose Rock Consort, a husband-and-wife duo from Shawnee who entertain with medieval instruments, also are new on this year’s schedule.
New food vendors include a homemade fruit tart booth, which is representative of the medieval period, Linn said. Favorite fare from years past also will make a reappearance: Linn said the fair wouldn’t be complete without homemade root beer and turkey legs.
While the food may cost a few pounds, literally and figuratively, Linn said a majority of the entertainment is free.
“People can come to the fair, have a good time and not spend a penny, if that’s what they choose to do,” she said. “I feel really good about that.”
A free jousting tournament takes place every day of the fair at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Human chess games are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day.
Linn said a special treat this year are the two real-life weddings that will take place at 2 p.m., one on Saturday and one on Sunday. Linn said the fair usually has at least one wedding, but last year didn’t have any. Having two is a special occasion, she said.
Linn said she estimates about 300,000 people will attend the fair. Friday, the day set aside for schoolchildren, will see about 52 busloads of children.
Linn figured the average participant stayed about five hours, although many come back on multiple days.
“There really is a lot to see,” she said.
The crowds make an impact on Norman’s economy, she noted. Anna Miller, with the Norman Arts Council, said a survey completed in 2002 showed the Medieval Fair, along with four other festivals and three theatrical productions, were said to bring in more than $6.5 million, including spending at the festivals and off-site.
Miller said that there was a note on the survey attributing most of the spending to the Medieval Fair. With more than 80 percent of the vendors and performers from outside the area, Linn said those people book hotel rooms, buy supplies and eat at restaurants in the Norman area.
One change occurring this year is a $5 charge for parking at nearby Lloyd Noble Center, a decision made by The University of Oklahoma.
For more schedule information on performers, visit medievalfair.org. An interactive map will be posted on The Norman Transcript’s Web site as well before the festival kicks off.
Aaron Wright 366-3555 pop@normantranscript.com
