 "Photo: The Voyager")
The trumpeting of horns heralded the arrival of people as they walked into the Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire in Pensacola, Fla. on March 6 and 7.
The Pensacola Fairgrounds was filled with vendors and displays of showmanship that fit the medieval time period.
Surrounding the whole event were makeshift flags that mimicked the representation of hundreds of countries and lands.
On the main stage, there was a variety of entertainment from sword swallowers, escape artist, and illusionists. The sword swallowers Otto and Taro made their audience laugh at their comedic styling, while astounding them with their precise talent.
Walking the grounds was like stepping into a bazaar from many centuries past. Merchants selling jewelry, trinkets, swords, and flowers peddled their wares both under tents and moving amongst the crowd.
Lady Cassandra Garner was one of the traveling salesman, selling roses for merely $2. As she paced up and down the rows of tents her gentle singing could be heard.
She is a part of the local chapter for the Society for Creative Anachronism. “Our mission here was to create a re-enactment of medieval times the way it should be,” said Garner.
A majority of the people both working and attending the faire were dressed in medieval garb. This made it impossible to ignore the magic of it all.
There were activities for any age group. Kids could sit down and enjoy a puppet show, play with goats in a petting zoo, or get their faces painted. Adults, meanwhile, could do things like take sword-fighting lessons.
The aroma of the faire was another way that the realism of it all was brought to patrons. From the odor of the animals to the enticing smell of turkey legs, it brought about a feeling of simpler times.
There were many shows and events held throughout the day at multiple sites apart from the main stage. Such performances included drunken singing, jousting, juggling, falconry and so much more.
One of the big crowd pleasers was the intense action of jousting. From the stands, people were roused to a roar every time the knights charged at each other. A rider named Sir John the Black Knight was still participating, despite recent back surgery.
This is a dangerous sport,ö said Sir John. Your javelin is traveling at about 30 miles per hour and the horse is traveling the same, which means that when you get hit you are likely to have a splitting headache.
As the day drew to a close, people began to file out the gates and say goodbye to the experience while workers packed up to head out that night.
The event featured talent from all around the United States and attracted followers from as far as the Carolinas.
The most memorable thing for me was buying a half-gallon bottle of freshly made root beer, University of West Florida student, Bryant said. I have been coming to this event for the past four years in and even traveled to Mobile for a few.
The Renaissance Faire gave a wonderful glimpse into the historic and cultural splendor of medieval times.
I keep coming back and it keeps getting better and better, said Bryant.
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