Jouster rides into battle at the Brooks Medieval Faire
The Brooks Medieval Faire is the only one of its kind in Alberta and western Canada. Now in its 8th year, this is an event that gets bigger every year.
Chivalry, courtly love, Crusades and elaborate feasts were all part of the Middle Ages so expect a little of each represented at this year’s faire.
“Extreme” sports originated in medieval times. Knights jousted, swordsmen fought in heavy combat and rapier duels were common. All three will be in Brooks. In fact, a couple of the professional jousters are Albertans. Radar Goddard hails from Calgary and Greg Boxma is from Halkirk.
Ancient arts like blacksmithing and sheep-herding will be here too. Forging iron is one of the oldest known metalworking processes. Look for Terry Jackson, a local blacksmith to be crafting pieces using methods similar to those used in the Middle Ages. Sheep-herding is also back this year by popular demand. So are the Magic acts and Henna, two more arts that were popular in medieval times too.
Images courtesy of the Town of Brooks
Kathy Ramer, one of the event organizers, says, “Young families love the faire. Last year, some came in costume which only added to the excitement so this year, we’ve added a Costume Tips page to the Brooks Medieval Faire website for anyone needing a little inspiration.” School kids from nearby Duchess have sure been inspired. They built the faire “stocks” as part of their history class.
A Medieval Feast takes place in the evening of August 6. Six courses or reserves as they were known in Medieval times will include cheese and mushroom tarts, green soup, a range of breads, bbq beef, root vegetables, fruit platters and cheese, and dessert tarts. Simply Harp & Friends will entertain at the feast with lively medieval music and poignant song. Tale Spinners will also be on hand to weave some colourful tales that capture the age of heroism and wonder. Tickets are $30 pp. Doors open at 6pm. Dinner will be served at 6:30. Purchase your tickets at the gate or in Brooks at The Steaming Cup or the Heritage Inn which by the way, has a $99 Juicy Summer room rate running during the festival.
More event details including the faire location, tickets, etc. are found here. For Brooks area travel info, including other local attractions and places to stay, log on to CanadianBadlands.com.
