Mutton and Mead Festival- A Robin Hood Renaissance Faire

From my last post, you know I had attended two faires last weekend. Today I will be discussing the Mutton and Mead Medieval Festival.  The festival is held at 210 Turners Falls Rd, Montague, MA 01351. The price to get into the faire was $15 for an adult, plus $5 dollars for parking.

The festival is a project of the Knighten Guild, in cooperation with the Millers Falls R&G Club. The festival hosts a canned food drive for The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and raises money for raise money for the Montague Common Hall (formerly the Grange).

I often mention this is one of my favorite faires, this year was no different.  I am unsure why I have such a fondness for this faire.  It could be from the simple things, such as signs in the path to the festival, informing you of the year you are traveling backwards, or to the fact there are so many vendors and entertainers here.  For whatever reason, it is still one of my favorites.

The faire is technically set in England during Robin Hood’s time. They do not really push this concept, and this is a good thing.  Instead of being so precise to a specific time perid, it allows a more medieval to renaissance perception to the faire.

The following are a list of vendors and entertainers which I saw at this festival.  It is so large, I could not mention each and every one, so please, go to the festival’s website and learn more about them.

A game of  "Hot Potato" or aka "Pass the parcel"

Below the Gaff- They will engage, and entertain the audience. A group of pirates that are truly entertaining and talented. Check out their website to hear their music, or buy their CD.

Cirque Du Sewer

Cirque Du Sewer - The acrobat with the acrorats, and now with cats. I never miss one of her (Melissa Arleth) shows. If you have not seen this wonderful performer, seek her out; you will laugh, you will cry, you will scream in horror at the sight of the rats (actually, they are very cute and adorable). 

Vixens En Garde- The fighting, Shakespearean group that I cannot give enough praise to.  I see them at numerous faires, and they are always entertaining. They vary their shows so they always seem fresh and new.

The Enchanted Forest has some amazing creatures

...And Music.

ENCHANTED FOREST- Was a separate part of the festival itself. You can wonder in and see numerous creatures lurking behind every tree.

Tatterdemalion- This is a vendor I have seen over the years at different venues. It is a great place to purchase you medieval clothes, at a great place. 

L.I.A.R.S.-  I know that I mentioned they were also at the Vermont Renaissance Festival the same weekend, but the group split up to do both faires. This section of L.I.A.R.S. entertained the younger audience with song and stories.

Kimberly’s Creatures- Producer of some great creatures made of cloth and papier-mâché.  You must see these in person to truly appreciate how great they look.

Landsknecht Guild- A group based in New England, with members from CT, NH, MA, ME, NY, and RI. Reenactors of an encampment consisting of the Landsknecht (who were legendary pikemen in the 1600’s), including their wives and families.

Theodore Hinman-  I have seen this blacksmith at several faires, and he is one of the best out there.  His skill is unmatched, and you will learn much watching him.

Tandy Leather- This is my go to for supplies for my leather armor.  This particular store is located in store located at 119 Webster Square Road, Berlin, CT 06037. Check out Tandy Leather website to find a location near you.

Jousting- Put on by DeBracey Productions. They are a wonderful talented group of equestrians, skilled on horseback with lance and sword. Their ability on their horses will amaze you. When you see them, you will be educated in different types of jousting and competition.

Just in Tyme Boots- Seller of some great boots at a reasonable price.  You can find the right boots and shoes to wear for Medieval to Steampunk faires.

There were so many more, I cannot list them all.  This is what makes this festival so great: variety of entertainment, vendors and food.

I wished I could have spent more time at this faire, than I did.  If you are planning on visiting it next year, make two days of it.  Even with two days, you still cannot see everything it offers.  When you do leave the Mutton and Mead Festival, you will be looking forward to next year’s event.

W.A.Rusho is a professional wrestler, historian and author. You can reach him by email or via his website.


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