Hanging out at Four Winds with the Stalkwells was a whole lot of fun for me. For one thing, they know how to make their subjects comfortable in front of the camera, so they always get the best out of such photo sessions. The young lady at left was no exception! It was her first time in garb at faire, so I'm sure capturing the attention of so many photographers at once was most flattering to her. As for me, it was yet another opportunity to watch Dana and Kim in action, gaining a few "pointers" along the way. So, while the Stalkwells encouraged her to pose -- and took a dozen different views each -- I snapped this single "Best Of" frame. Not only do they truly enjoy their "work," but Dana and Kim have a wonderfully keen sense of humor to go with it. We were later walking Merchants' Row together when Kim spotted some interesting baubles at one booth, so she left us two to go over to inspect them. Apparently they were really fascinating, as she then bent over with her back to us to look at them more closely. Seeing her rump up in the air, I turned to Dana and remarked: "Now THERE is a picture!" Up came Dana's camera and Snap! Snap! he'd fired off two quick frames before I could even say another word. Well, Kim heard the shutter release: she bolted upright and came bustling back over, demanding to know: "Alright, who took the pictures???!?" "Not me!" says I, assuming the pained expression of an innocent lamb, falsely accused. "I only saw a photo op and mentioned it to Dana!" So she looks me straight in the eye and remarks (with her own eyes smiling all the time): "You are dangerous!" Moi? Dangerous??? What a compliment!!! [very big grin].
"Help! I'm being attacked by a Demon!" (Photo, Left). Those weren't her exact words, but this is a PG site, after all. And anyway, not only did her smile belie her words, but it did appear that the "Demon" had the situation firmly under control. I'm sure he wouldn't've wanted -- or needed! -- my assistance in any case. Just to prove that tights can be right manly, this fellow (Photo, Right) certainly caught the attention of the ladies at Four Winds. A true Rogue if ever I did see one! My thanks again to the Stalkwells for helping me "see" these photo opportunities!
Bellydancing, like jousting, is almost a staple of renaissance festivals -- and Four Winds was no exception. Here (Photo, Left), Desdemona and the Dream Harem demonstrate their skills in this ancient art. Their performance ran at least an hour, showcasing a variety of Middle-Eastern styles and traditional dance. Amazingly, they did this five times daily on the Sherwood Forest Stage at Four Winds. Considering that the day was already hot and humid by midafternoon, it can be truly said that their beauty and skill was only surpassed by their sheer stamina under those conditions. Their shows, like the jousts, are certainly worth seeing anytime they give a performance!
Four Winds has a lot of youthful energy and enthusiasm going for it, not to mention the space in which to grow. It will be interesting to see if they can match their potential over the coming years! As for myself, I am looking forward to another visit come the Spring -- if only to see what is new and different at this faire. Until that time: THREE CHEERS FOR 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 ©2000-2002 by George Laking.
