THE BALLOON MAN

Huzzah and Cheers: Sarasota Medieval Fair Returns

Come one, come all to the Sarasota Medieval Fair at the Sarasota Fairgrounds this weekend.

 

2012 Sarasota Medieval Fair
The Donegal Dogs, shown here performing at last year’s Medieval Fair, will also be performing this weekend. Credit: Sarasota Medieval Fair
from: Weekend Things By Deb Flessner
on:  bradenton.patch.com
November 9, 2012
Every fall in Sarasota, families have the chance to be transported back into history and interact with kings and queens, peasants and farm workers—and it doesn’t even require a time machine.

Welcome to the ninth annual Sarasota Medieval Fair, where you can enjoy the games, food, drink, battles and atmosphere of Ireland, from the year 999.

“The scenario this year takes place in Ireland, where it’s the Leinster revolt of 999-1000 against the King of Munster, Brian Boru,” said Shannon Bowden, Medieval Fair marketing director. “The festival will prepare you for what will be quite a journey and experience as history reveals itself.”

The Medieval Fair, held at the Sarasota Fairgrounds starting Saturday, consists of what is essentially a traveling play. As you walk through the gates, you enter into a world consisting of people and scenes from the era being portrayed. Historically accurate characters walk through the grounds interacting with each other and with the guests, and the whole day culminates with a big battle at the end.

“The theme is the Battle of Glenn Máma,” Bowden said. “The scenario starts in the morning and you see how the sides come together throughout the day.”

Bowden said that this year, there are four kings, who at the end of each day will meet on the field of battle and decide who will gain final control over Ireland. Dean Bowden, Shannon’s husband and casting director of the fair, will be portraying one of the kings. He says that he has been performing in renaissance and medieval fairs since he was 15 years old.
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