I had promised to talk about illustrations over the last
couple weeks, I do apologize for not posting them. I will get back to that
topic next week.
This past weekend, I attended the first medieval/renaissance
faire of the year; this was the Vermont Winter Renaissance Faire held at
Shelburne, VT. This was the first time
of this festival. Being new, you would expect
things to be mismanaged, and attendance low; however, this was not the
case. It was run very well, and there was
a good selection of performers, vendors and artisans to entertain the many
people who came to the event.
 |
| Shelburne Field House |
The faire was held inside at the Shelburne Field House. This
field house normally houses an adult soccer league, and also a gym. I have never attended an inside
medieval/renaissance faire, so this was a unique opportunity, not only for me,
but for how these faires can be run. If this faire becomes successful, we might
see other “winter faires” held inside similar venues across the country.
So let me describe some of the wonderful acts, exhibitors
and vendors I saw at the faire.
 |
| Shelli Buttons performing on the Aerial Silk |
Shelli Buttons- Those of you will remember I saw her last
year at the Connecticut Renaissance Faire. She is a very talented juggler and
acrobat. She engaged with, and entertained the crowd with her perfornabce on
the aerial silk (this is where an artist performs aerial acrobatics while
hanging from a fabric).
 |
| Members of the Vermont Comic Con |
Vermont Comic Con- They had a both to promote two upcoming
comic conventions in Vermont. The first will be held in April (Green MountainComic Expo) at Barre Mountain, VT the other in August (Vermont Comic Con) in
Burlington, VT. They were a very enthusiastic
group, and I met J. Moulton who helps to put on and promote these events.
 |
| Made by Hand Leather |
Made by Hand Leather- I first saw them at the Mutton and
Meade Festival, if you recall I bought a pouch from them. This time I purchases
some suede swordsman gloves, it was very reasonably priced. Caleb Hand is the
vendor and does many of these faires from his location from Landonderry, NH.
Check out his website for more information about his wonderful products.
 |
| The Grinning Dwarf |
The Grinning Dwarf- Run by Robert and Katie Pyle, they are a
wonderful vendor who puts out some great products. Go visit them at their
website, or check them out when they are at a fair near you, you will not be disappointed
with their products.
 |
| Leanan Sidhe |
Leanan Sidhe- A Vermont-based dance troupe pulling from
tribal belly dance and theatrical dance. It was the first time I ever saw this
group and was not disappointed. This group entertained the entire audience.
 |
| Tetterdemalion |
Tatterdemalion- This person sells her products exclusively
at these faires, and does not have a website.
I encourage you, that if you do see her at one of these faires to check
her out. Her products are very reasonably
priced.
 |
| Tintagels Gate |
 |
| Draugar Vindlands encampment |
 |
| Draugar Vinlands weapons demonstration |
Draugar Vinlands- A historical Viking reenactment group. They put on a wonderful demonstration dealing
with the sword and shield (both offensive, and defensive) techniques of the Vikings.
This is a very informative group, and are very friendly and will answer any
questions you have about the Viking age.
Make sure you check them out.
 |
| L.I.A.R.S. and Penniless Jacks entertaining people at the cafe |
Penniless Jacks- A very talented trio of performers. This is
an awesome group, some of their members had previously made up the group Bare
B.O.N.E.S. They perform some wonderful
music which includes traditional, to some sea shanties and tavern songs.
 |
| Brotherhood of the Arrow and Sword |
Brotherhood of the Arrow and Sword- Anyone who has read any of
my reviews of medieval/renaissance faires will remember that I will praise this
group any time I get a chance. From the first time I have seen these reenactors,
I have learned something new each time.
They represent the best of medieval reenacting (or any form of
historical reenactment), do not miss their performance.
As I stated earlier that this was the first year of this
faire, and it was managed and run very nicely.
This was not a surprise, as these are the same people that run the VermontRenaissance Faire, which will be held at Stowe, Vt one June 24th and
25th.
I encourage each of you to check out the website and look up
other vendors and performers I have not mentioned. I hope this winter faire succeeds and grows,
it is very unique. I look forward to
attending it each year.
Next Time: Back to
the Illustrations Topic.
Wow- some people take these medieval festivals seriously. It has opened my eyes to the fact that we have such different interests and hobbies which we value and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteBased on your photos it appears the festival turned out very well. I have to admit though, having been to a few medieval fairs in California that I imagine one held indoors would have a very different feel because so much of the atmosphere comes from the natural surroundings. This is a good reminder that I need to do a little research to see if there are any of these events in Oregon!
ReplyDeleteCome to think about it, Medieval Times which is a Medieval themed restaurant does have them inside, however, it is just them without any other kind of vendor or artists.
DeleteCongrats for finding the winter Renaissance Fair in Vermont, William! I never thought there would be any such fairs during the winter months.
ReplyDeleteGlad we don't have to live through winter during the renaissance. Much better to be a renaissance man/woman:-9
ReplyDeleteLove that the well-done coordination of the event was a surprise! It's also great that there is so much positive energy at these fires. How utterly wonderful!
ReplyDeleteA bit of trivia. I used to take aerial silk class at my gym. I even performed in a show. It is really hard work. And my little experience makes me truly in awe of people like Shelli Buttons. She looks amazing. Great that they are giving an indoor Renaissance Faire a try. I hope it works out and then people who love them will be able to experience them year round.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like an amazingly successful event. It would be difficult to hold such an event outside up north this time of year. I'm glad it went well and was attended by such talented people.
ReplyDeleteLove getting to know about festivals from you, you make me realize there is so much to check out there :)
ReplyDelete