This is the Seventy-Fourth article in a semi-permanent column for Stroud Arts that appears in the Stroud American. The mission of these articles is to inform, educate and inspire you, the reader, to Make Art Happen in your life and the life of our community.
It is only June but September will be here, hopefully with cooler temperatures, before we know it! So now is the time to prepare for Stroud Arts’ next event, The SA Medieval Faire 2021.
It is no surprise to be reminded that we did not have a 2020 event due to Covid, but for those who can remember back to the pre-Covid world of 2019, yes, there was a one-day, Medieval Faire held in Foster Park where over 100 guests, coming from as far away as El Reno and Vinita, spent their time visiting, playing, learning and being entertained.
Unlike most Medieval Fairs that focus on selling Medieval or Fantasy Themed items, the focus of the Stroud Arts event was on demonstrating the skills and training that were prevalent to the Medieval times, such as Archery, Laws and Rulership, Painting, Dancing, Horseback Riding, Jousting, Music Performance, Spear Throwing, Melee Combat, Storytelling and limited merchants selling themed items. In addition, we trained our volunteers to portray realistic people from the area so that guests could learn what life was like for these people through conversations. We wanted our event to be an interactive experience instead of a shopping and viewing experience.
This year, we will bring all the games and activities back, and we will add more!
Events and activities we are considering for 2021 include; more Storytelling, an Adventure Quest, Maypole Group Dance, Group Games, Live Music, Longbow Archery Demonstrations, a few more merchants, more characters and a Mud Show!
If the above seems like a lot of activity to pull off, then you are correct and we invite you to be a part of this event.
We need children, teens and adults to volunteer for all aspects of this year’s event. We have places for those who wish to act in character and for those who wish to be quietly involved.
In short, there is a place for YOU!
Our first Medieval Faire Orientation Meeting will be held on Saturday, July 10 from 1pm-3pm at the Stroud Arts Building located at 214 West Main Street in Stroud OK. As it is community meeting we will orient attendees as to the goals and objectives of the SA Medieval Faire. Cast requirements, Costuming, Character Creation and Performance Outlines will also be covered.
If you would like to be involved then mark your iPhone calendars and make time to come over to Stroud for the afternoon where we prepare to…
Make Art Happen!