Monday, June 17, 2019

Mutton and Mead Medieval Festival 2019


This is one of my all-time favorites, and probably one of the earliest I ever attended. This particular one made me a fan of medieval/renaissance faires; so, it has a special place in my heart. 

You can read about my first visit to this faire in a previous post (our adventure together through this blog has really evolved since those first posts).


The Mutton and Mead Festival is located at 210 Turners Rd. Montague, Ma. 

It is a project of the Knighten Guild, in cooperation with the Millers Falls R&GClub. One of the major purpose of the Knighten Guild is to Support local community organizations' (such as The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, TheMontague Grange/Common Hall, Dukin Humane Society, Cancer Connection, 4-H and others) and to strengthen the community. They have a food drive during the faire, so next year make sure to bring some canned food to donate.


As you travel the path to the faire, you will see signs indicating the date and historical events which occurred then.  These signs take you further and further back until you reach the 13th century, the time frame for the faire. The signs may seem trivial, but it is the little things like this that make this faire special. 


Since this is such a huge faire, let’s get right to the performers, acts and merchants which I saw during this event.






Green River Woodcraft- A maker of some great archery bows, and wooden bowls and other items.

Vixens en Garde- It is a lucky time of year for me because I got to see these talented sword welding Shakespearean ladies twice in one week, previously at the NY Capital Renaissance Faire.  Make sure to check them out, you will not be disappointed.








Gypsy Hair Hair braiding service; including extensions


Auntie Arwen’s Spices- Since I first went to this vendor way back at the Vermont Winter Renaissance Faire, I have been impressed with this vendor ever since. Their selection is impressive, you really need to seek them out.










Enchanted Forest- Here you can see and engage with magical forest creatures, from fairies to ogres. One of my favorite places to visit during the faire. 






Here you might run into members of the Skelton Crew Theater.








DeBracey Productions- They always put on a magnificent joust. You will truly appreciate their skill on horseback, as well as their skill with a lance.








L.I.A.R.S.- I am getting a little tired of describing them, because I am running out of different words to describe lovely and talented. This is one of my favorite singers at these faires. Truly amazing and do not miss an opportunity to hear them perform.




Cornerstone Creations-He creates some amazing cement fixtures, such as garden gnomes, gargoyles and wall hangers.







Dragon Swag- Handmade knitted dragon eggs, dice bags and so much more.



Legendary Leathercrafts- One of the best merchants that sells leather products and other items. Check him out.





My video I created for the faire.  Also, go to my Youtube channel and see other videos from other faires. Don’t forget to go to my channel and “Like” and “Subscribe”






Dragons Nest Designs- Sells handcrafted Gothic, Medieval, Steampunk, and Renaissance products and accessories. Really great merchant to visit.





Dragon Ice Cream- Should be your favorite place to buy ice cream.  Always fun to see him in his dragon outfit.






Emazanti Creations-Custom-made period clothing for ladies and gentlemen.  One of the staples I see at most faires I attend.




Tandy Leather- Sold some leather items, but also had information about classes.  Search Tandy Leathers to find one of their stores near you.







Hickory Arms- They sell wooden swords, some are for fun, others are weighted as the real ones and are perfect for practice. Also, do not forget their marshmallow shooting crossbows.







Moon Dragon Designs- Handmade items from capes to hand warmers.  Truly amazing products at a good price.


Cu Dubh-if you can rock playing Turkish war drums with Highland Bagpipes then this group does it. Prepared to be amazed when you hear this group.
AND
Caravan Dance- who were accompanied by the music of Cu Dugh when I saw them. Truly lovely and talented woman.  Check out all the dancers here.








Laughing Hyena Studios: Maker of fine wands from local and exotic woods, and also all your wand accessories.








MeadHall Outfitters- If you are looking for some medieval/renaissance clothing, start here.









Gray Raven Farm- They have all natural goat milk soap and honey products, all locally made.






Made by Hand Leather- Caleb Hand sells great products at a great price. His leather working is unmatched.















The Tatterdemalion- This might be the first vendor I ever wrote about. It is always a joy to see her sell her clothing products at these faires.




Tintagels Gate- My go to place to buy swords and daggers, but, they sell so much more from wands to tarot cards.  Make sure to check to see if they also have a blacksmith demonstration.



There were wonderful places to get some great food





Cara Finch Fine Arts Gallery-Painting by this wonderful artist.






Tea and Absinthe- They sell gypsy, fairy clothing but also tea and tea accessories.




Draugar Vinlands- This is the premier, in my opinion, the one and only Viking re-enactors you ever need to see.  Their ability with Viking weapons is only matched by their knowledge of the Viking culture, history and heritage.  Do no miss an opportunity to see them in action.


Blackbird Leatherworks- Sells some wonderful handmade leather pouches bags and belts. A great vendor.







This is a major faire so I am unable to list all the fine performers, artists and vendors that make this event so special. Please go to the faires  “Entertainment” and “Food& Marketplace” pages to find out about all of them.


As I stated this is one of the earliest faires I have attended.  It is a faire that is packed with vendors and performances fit for the entire family.  Mark your calendar for next year and make a trip to visit this wonderful faire.


Next time: ANOTHER FAIRE, Oh my, I have been busy.

W. A. Rusho is a professional wrestler, author and historian. Contact him via his email, or website.

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