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Fairytales and Legends
For 15 years the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire has been one of the most highly anticipated festivals in North Central Florida.
“Each year we are astounded and pleased with the Gainesville community’s enthusiasm for the event,” said Linda Piper, event coordinator. “Fortunately, this year we won’t have to try and contain the excitement in three short days, the faire has expanded and will be held for 6 days.”
Patrons are encouraged to arrive early each day to experience “meet and greet” time. During the first 30 minutes of each day all theatrical and musical performers and characters fill Hoggetowne’s entryway to welcome guests with interactive vignettes in perfected Olde English brogue. Strolling minstrels and gypsies continually stroll Hoggetowne streets while jugglers, musician, magicians, choral ensembles and comedic acts present incorporate audience participants and banter into their entertaining revelry.
King John and Queen Isabelle lead the Royal Procession through Hoggetowne’s crowded streets on Friday and Monday at 10:30 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Participants can pay their respects to the King and Queen during this Royal Procession, or be knighted and found worthy as the day’s events unfold.
Jousting knights on horseback wear full armor, weighing up to 75 pounds, and they charge head-on at a full gallop with only a lance and shield to defend themselves while they fight for their ladies’ honor at the Tournament Field. Jousting begins at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Friday, and 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Hoggetowne’s eight theatres will feature continuous live revelry-a medley including gypsy dancing, ancient music, juggling, puppetry, acting troupes, and storytelling. Also featured will be displays of full flight falconry and armored combat. Along the street, medieval rogues will compete for coins as they entice patrons to participate in many different tests of strength and balance. There will also be human-powered rides, live animal rides and archery for the young at heart. Strolling villagers and minstrels add to the medieval atmosphere, as do face painters and fortunetellers.
More than 130 incredibly talented artisans and craftspeople, from all over the countryside, journey to Hoggetowne to display and sell a variety of goods, trinkets and wares. At the Marketplace visitors will find one-of-a-kind blacksmithing, pewter jewelry, stone carvings, woodworking, weaving, hand-blown glassware, leather crafts, and much more.
A variety of new vendors will represent talents never seen before at the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. Prepare to feast on hearty food and drink fit for a king! Enjoy succulent turkey legs, love knots (pretzels) and the Queen’s buns hot out of the bakery ovens or perhaps a blooming onion.
Families will enjoy the Children’s Pavilion with educational, hands-on creative activities. An Art and Essay Contest in the Children’s Pavilion features the work of over 400 local school children. King John will recognize the winners at an award ceremony held on Saturday, February 2nd at 2:30 p.m. in the Royale Pavilion.
Due to the extraordinary turnout in recent years, the City of Gainesville’s Department of Cultural Affairs is proud to announce that this year’s 16th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire will open its “city gates” to the public for two consecutive weekends: February 2-4 and 8-10 from 10 am to 6 pm. Regular prices are $7 for adults, $4 for youths 11-16 and $2 for children 5-10. Guests will also be admitted to the faire on “School Days” Monday, February 4 and Friday, February 8. Hours on School Days are from 9am-2pm.
In order to avoid lines at the ticket window, tickets can be purchased in advance at Omni Book Store in Gainesville. As an added convenience, Campus USA Credit Union will have an ATM Campus Cruiser at the Fairgrounds. Please note that dogs are not allowed into the Faire. Monday and Friday are “School Days”, when thousands of area school children take a field trip back in time to the 16th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. Monday and Friday are also when all admission is half-price and individuals with disabilities are admitted for free. To avoid the lines on “School Day” it is suggested that groups pre-register. For information call 352-334-ARTS.
Visit the medieval faire website at www.gvlculturalaffairs.org
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