One Tank Trips: Sarasota Medieval Fair

This year for Halloween the kids all opted for medieval costumes after bargaining for a field trip to a Ren Faire. There are a few large Ren Faires in the state of Florida, but they were a bit of a drive and a long while to wait for, so I found a Medieval Fair, and it couldn't have been a better introduction to the world of historical cosplay.

The kids were enthralled from the moment we pulled into the Woods of Mallaranny for the Sarasota Medieval Fair. There were so many people in costume that they couldn't get enough of all the various get ups. The moment we stepped through the gates, we saw a fire breather's show. As we wandered the meandering streets of the fair, there were booths of all sorts, from costumes to mead and turkey legs, from weapon shops to face painting. Each vendor from the blacksmiths to the jewelry artisans had a character, and were thoroughly engaged in all their interactions. The kids each had a little money to spend and tried various activities. Britt enjoyed the strong man game, where he was able to swing the mallet with enough force to ring the bell at the top. Rebecca tried shooting arrows at a target, while Ruth convinced the older three to all get into the ring for a sword fight (with blunted swords). Kate predicably chose face painting.

While window shopping in the booths is always one of my favorite parts of any Ren Faire, the number of shows at the Sarasota Medieval Fair was astounding. In addition to watching the fire breather. We were able to see a display of hawking, from a rescue raptor center that takes fledgling abandon or injured birds. When they cannot be rehabilitated for the wild, trains them to do a number of activities including traditional hawking exercises. There were live entertainers everywhere. We stopped and listened to a number of groups, Celtic singers, a Bagpipe and Drum due (who played "We Will Rock You" along with traditional pieces), and a chorus of bells. We also watched a choreographed live chess match, with some extraordinary displays of swordsmanship. They put on a different show each year, if you get a chance to see it, it's not to be missed. However, the most impressive sight was the live joust. I have never had the opportunity to see one in person, so we enjoyed cheering for our knight immensely. He won the jousting portion of the competition, but was then defeated in hand to hand combat, in part due to a dirty trick, where his opponent knocked him down and then kicked dirt into his visor. Britt even had a chance afterwards to ride the might warhorse, and they are incredibly tall and wide built, one of the sturdiest horses I've ever seen next to draft horses.

Gary who is not easily impressed really enjoyed the acrobat show. The number of tricks they didn't standing in various formations balanced on one another's backs and shoulders was beyond comprehension. Gary was so impressed that he donated a $5 bill when they passed the hat at the end of the act. Each weekend has a different theme, we attended on two different Saturdays. The first we all attended was Viking weekend, and they had a braid contest which I did each of the girls hair up for. The second time we came back was Celtic Weekend, and there was more plaid in one place than any where I've visited except Scotland. Both days were epic and the kids were all asleep before we had made it 10 minutes back down the main road.

My bunch absolutely loved the mix of history and fantasy, and they have already asked to go again next year. If you'd like to make a trip the Sarasota Medieval Fair, they are open every weekend in November, plus Veteran's Day. The address to the Woods of Mallaranny is 29847 FL-70 E., Myakka City, FL 34251, and their phone number is 1-888-303-FAIR (3247). Prices vary depending on the number of days attending, but this coming November's prices haven't been released yet. We highly recommend them.