Excalibur Renaissance Faire 2002

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EXCALIBUR RENAISSANCE FAIRE 2002
OPENING WEEKEND

Now ERF isn't a large faire, by any means. At most it offers just 75 booths with six stages, huddled compactly onto about five acres. Which actually makes it quite appealing, as you can leisurely stroll the entire length of the faire in just ten minutes. Which also makes it a lot easier to catch all the action -- whether it's at the Adult Pub, the Lists or the Front Gate. That's a far cry from the truly huge faires covering tens of acres like TRF or Scarborough, where you almost have to run from one end to the other if you hope to catch even part of a particular act, show or event!

"Arthurian Fantasy" is the main theme of ERF, with the wedding of Arthur and Gueneviere taking center stage (shown here, left, holding court before their wedding under the spreading oak tree near the Main Gate). There were several sub-themes running concurrently -- the "Sword in the Stone" and "Gawaine and the Green Knight" among them -- along with the usual political intrigues and courtly plotting led by Morgan le Fey. Which, of course, meant there was plenty of opportunity for duels, jousts led by members of one of my favorite jousting troupes, Noble Cause (Photo, Below) and much swordplay all day long!!!

However, the biggest surprise in this storyline was the introduction of the Seelie Court, led by the Elven King Veduren and his lovely Queen, Vanatari (shown introducing Gueneviere to some of Vanatari's Faerie subjects in the photo, right), accompanied by their Elven Champions Thalien and Vala Arfiniel along with a whole host of Faeries and other Fey Folk. It seems that the fate of the Seelie Court was intimately linked with that of Arthur, Gueneviere and the Knights of the Round Table -- so even here there was an element of intrigue involved! (All this intrigue obviously weighed heavily upon King Arthur -- as can be seen in the photo, below, where he sits brooding pensively during his bachelor party while a beautiful bellydancer shakes and shimmies across the Round Table).

The wedding of Arthur and Gueneviere was, without a doubt, the emotional high point of the storyline (Photo, below). Not only was the entire cast present for the event, but most (if not all!) of the patrons and playtrons also attended. Even the wind decided to cooperate, dropping to a light breeze for the ten-minute duration of the ceremony! As shown below, Arthur and Gueneviere exchange vows as Merlin (behind the officiating priest) looks on, while the Elven King Veduren and his Queen Vanatari (left in photo), flanked by their champions, provide additional witnesses to this most-happy event.

Truth and Justice, of course, triumphed in the end: Sir Kay eventually bested the Green Knight; Morgan le Fey's insidious plots were all foiled; and Arthur firmly established his Royal authority as King of the Britons -- a tuly happy ending to a most-merry day! Regretfully for me, however, I was unable to return to ERF during the rest of its all-too-brief 2002 season. There were, among other things, several merchants whose unusual and distinctive wares were most interesting if not outright tempting! On the other hand, there is always next year, with the hope that I will make both Opening and Closing Weekend, then. Believe me, I am looking forward already to ERF next Spring. In the meantime, just let me say: HUZZAH FOR THE EXCALIBUR RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL!!!

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Standard Disclaimer: This webpage is strictly an *Unofficial* look at the Excalibur Renaissance Festival held near Bastrop TX. The author of these pages is in no way, shape, manner or form connected with the Excalibur Renaissance Festival (OFFICE ADDRESS: 1007 Main St., Suite E, Bastrop, TX 78602) and/or any of the sponsors associated with this event. All opinions expressed are strictly this author's own. Unless noted otherwise, all photographs are copyright Š2000-2002 by George Laking.

This page created 18 June 2002