Four Winds boasts just 35 booths and four stages -- with a whole lot of empty space inbetween. Which means they have both a great deal of potential available as well as considerable room to grow! True, it would've been better for them were they located nearer a large population center such as the Dallas Metroplex or Greater Houston, for the crowd on the day of my visit was rather sparse. On the other hand, that also allowed me the opportunity to actually play with members of the cast and crew there. For instance, these three young ladies (Photo, Right), were downright thrilled to "mug" for the camera -- and even more thrilled to accept a wee gratuity for their time and trouble, too. It seems they had taken in just $16 all day at their dart game booth, so an extra dollar was most appreciated by them all!
Of course, it certainly doesn't hurt if you happen to know someone at faire, especially if it's your first time there. So it was both my surprise and delight to again meet the Stalkwells -- Dana and Kim -- at Four Winds, just a week after greeting them at the Excalibur Renaissance Festival! As usual, they were working their trade when I chanced to encounter them, busily taking pictures of a birthday party being held onsite for one of the cast members. It seems they had both landed a gig as "Official Faire Photographers" for the entire run of FWRF2002! Between shoots, they graciously introduced me around and even invited me to join in the celebration. The photo, above -- ("Resistance is Feudal!" Dana appears to be saying as he plys the knife to a succulent pot roast while Kim prepares a napkin, with a young acquaintance looking on) -- is actually a play on one of their favorite photo ops: catching unsuspecting Rennies in "compromising" situations, especially those dealing with food. Hey: "turnabout" is fair play, after all!
That pot roast was a right Royal addition to the birthday banquet, indeed. Well-marinated overnight before slow-cooking in the FWRF kitchens onsite, it was truly "melt in your mouth" tender -- and quite tasty! Petey the Dog (Photo, Right: watching Dana with rapt attention as he takes each bite) obviously knew it was good. While her manners were far too good to actually jump up on the table or even beg for a taste, she did go from one guest to another, taking up position and staring at them until they shared a bit with her. I know it worked on me! Petey was quite the celebrity at FWRF that day, not only making friends wherever she went, but also disrupting the afternoon Tourney twice with her antics. It seems she just couldn't resist chasing after the knights on horseback! After an attempt to pen her up failed, one of the patrons was able to collar and hold her for half the show -- until she just couldn't contain herself any more. She suddenly broke away from him and lit out after the horses, again. A lady playtron finally caught her, turned Petey's back to the Lists and covered the dog with her parasol so she couldn't see the knights riding the course. That seemed to calm Petey down considerably: she was more than happy to accept the lady's attention after that, which allowed the knights to finish their demonstration of chivalric skills without Petey's, um, "assistance." Needless to say, both patrons were roundly cheered by all present for their efforts at Tourney's close!
The knights at Four Winds did put on a splendid show that afternoon, once Petey's comic antics were halted. This was not a full Tournment joust -- riding in full armor with the intent of breaking lances and unhorsing their opponent -- but "Joust For Fun," highlighting various skills of sword, lance, spear and horsemanship for their appreciative audience. Among the feats of arms demonstrated were spear throwing, ring lancing, riding at the quintain (Photo, Below) and mounted sword combat in a game of "Capture the Flag." Alas that I did not get to see them actually joust! Sir Dustin G. Stephens (Photo, Left) is a Grand National Joust Champion several times over, while his partner, Sir Jerry Gordon, is the International Grand Champion in Quintain. It would've been a most marvelous sight to see such true Champions meet in the Lists. So of course even their demonstrations were right awesome to watch!
VIEWS OF THE FOUR WINDS RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL--Eleven views of Tournament action of people, places and things at the Four Winds Renaissance Festival!
JOUST FOR FUN AT THE FOUR WINDS RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL--Fifteen views of Tournament action in the Lists at the Four Winds Renaissance Festival!
Standard Disclaimer: This webpage is strictly an *Unofficial* look at the Four Winds Renaissance Festival held near Troup, TX. The author of these pages is in no way, shape, manner or form connected with the Four Winds Renaissance Festival (OFFICE ADDRESS: PO Box 1467 Whitehouse, TX 75791-1467) 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 ©2000-2003 by George Laking.
