This past Sunday I attended the Mayfaire on the Green in
Holland Patent, NY. This is the 2nd
(it is the 7th annual rendition of this faire) time I have attended
this faire, and as with last year, I enjoyed myself very much. It appeared to
me that this faire may have doubled in size compared to last year. In fact, if
they increase any larger they may need a new venue as it seemed they were
reaching capacity of the park they were located in.
Holland Patent is located in Oneida County, and on the
western part of the Town of Trenton, NY.
The village, as of the 2010 census had less than 500 residents. The name of the village comes from the land
grant which established it in the area.
This is a completely free medieval/renaissance fair, there
is no admittance fee. This is very unusual,
for even the smallest ones have some fee to compensate for the
entertainers/performers that are hired.
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The Shire of Coppertree of the Kingdom of Arthelmerc putting on a combat demonstration |
Society for Creative Anachronism (or SCA). This consisted of the local chapter of the SCA called the Shire of Coppertree of the Kingdom of Aethelmearc. This is a wonderful group, and if you are interested in living history, then contact your local chapter of the SCA near you.
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Mermaid Nixie |
There were several perfoance artisist as faires throughout
the faire. Speaking of performance artists there was also Mermaid Nixie who
I had seen in other faires, such as the Windfall Dutch Barn Medieval Fair. She is a lovely and remarkable artist. In her persona as Nixie she will
speak to you in “mermaid speak” which is very familiar to what you imagine a
dolphin would take. For a donation to
“Feed Starving Mermaids” you can receive a seashell form her personally.
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Performance of Alice and her Puppet Friends |
Alice and her Puppet Friends- A performer I have seen
several times, including the New York Capitol District Renaissance Festival, and this same fair last
year. She is a wonderful entertainer,
and great puppeteer and will entertain the entire family.
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Tepee Store |
The Tepee Store- They had a tent set up with wonderful
items. The teepee store itself is a
roadside attraction located on Route 20
between Cherry Valley and Sharon Springs, NY.
This store is shaped (as the name describes) like a tepee. If you are in the area, or see them at a
fair, make sure to check them out.
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Emrys Fleet |
Rat Catcher Emrys Fleet of Scarlett Rat Entertainment amused everyone
with his comedy and amusing banter with the crowd.
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Bobart the Great |
Bobert the Great- a Magician/escape artisit. Being a faire in a park allows him to
interact more personally with the audience, this performer certainly used this
to his advantage. His performance as an
entertainer, escape artists and magician was wonderful.
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Norðrislá |
From reading my past posts, you know how much I enjoy watching a blacksmith at his job. This faire had Norðrislá, a wonderful blacksmith, that produces some remarkable Norse ironworks.
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Shakespeare Approves with audience members |
Shakespeare Approves is a one-man renaissance living
performance of the bard himself. He interacted, and entertained the crowd very
much. Make sure you check him out.
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Paddy Nappets-Tunful Pirates |
Paddy Nappers, Tuneful Pirates- A group of great pirate
entertainers and musicians. They will be performing at the Windfall Dutch Barn
Medieval Faire in August, I will not miss them.
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W.K Pomeroy, James McNaily, and Jordan Elizabeth |
Last year when I attended this faire I mentioned the Utica
area authors, this year there were
several authors who attended the faire. W.K. Pomeroy, James McNaily, and Jordan Elizabeth. I would ecourage you to check out their sites
and purchase some of their wonderful novels. Jordan Elizabeth Is trying to
publish her book, but needs 2,000 followers on twitter , please follow her and
get her book published.
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Teardrop Creations |
Teardrop Creations- This maybe the first vendor I ever spoke
with, way back at the Krebashia Kingdom Medieval Fantasy Faire. Over the years, I have seen them at this
faire, and also the New York Capitol District Renaissance Festival. Check out their website, they produce some
beautiful and unique jewelry and even decorative armor.
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Diddlelydeets Scents |
Diddlelydeets Scents- Sell some wonderful products, from medieval items to incense. They are another group which will participating at the New York Capitol District Renaissance Festival. You can contact them by phone at (518) 842-0104.
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There were people playing medieval games...
Playing music
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As I mentioned, it appears this faire is expanding each year;
I hope they can accommodate more vendors and acts. This is a wonderful faire and it has become a major
medieval/renaissance attraction for this area. If you want a wonderful time next May, mark your calendars now.
Next Time: Albany, NY
W.A.Rusho is a professional wrestler, author, and historian. You can reach him on his website or by email.
William, the photos of this faire are wonderful. I really enjoyed Mermaid Nixie - very cute.
ReplyDeleteThere is a place in Toronto that puts on a medieval show and dinner but I don't know any other medieval reenactments around here. Reading how much you enjoy these faires makes me wonder why.
The place you speak of is probably "Medieval Times" or something similar, they do the medieval dinning.
DeleteHere is a link to the faires located there.
http://www.medievalfayre.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=98:canadian-events&catid=52
William - a delightful tour through yet another "faire" in upstate New York. The entire 10 years that my husband and I owned a log home in Petersburg (bordering Williamstown and Bennington), we never attended or even knew about these faires. We loved antiquing, though and there were many antique fairs that we attended. Fond memories.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the Mayfaire festival. As an old Londoner I almost wrote Mayfair:-). Great photos that show how dedicated the participants are.
ReplyDeleteI'm always impressed with the level of creativity exhibited by the entertainers at these fairs. Mermaid Nixie is charming, and I'd love to see the escape artist in this type of venue.
ReplyDeleteI love reading about your various fairs. It has given me a whole new perspective on them. Pittsburgh has/had a medieval fair every August, I think, and I never attended because I didn't think I would enjoy it. Your write-ups have opened my mind! I think I love the mermaid!
ReplyDelete