Twice each afternoon -- at the Queen's Joust and a few hours later, at the Royal Joust -- the New Riders of the Golden Age entertained patrons at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival with real live tournament action. Here, Sir Robert O'Malle, Marshall of the Lists (center), introduces the combatants to the eager audience: Sir Collin MacLeod of Scotland (left) and Sir Jonathan Thomas of England, (right).

	Sir Jonathan Thomas (AKA John Achemire, left), gallops past the audience during the Opening Ceremonies at the Joust. He and Sir Robert (AKA David Schade) take turns playing the "Hero" in the tournament from one day to the next.

Sir Collin MacLeod (AKA Gregory Oatley, right) always plays "The Bad Guy" in the lists. Frankly, he often stole the show with his theatrics! At the Opening Ceremonies, for instance, he began by railing at Sir Thomas in BFA (Basic Faire Accent), then suddenly switched to a hilarious rant in Modern English -- with gestures! reminiscent of ringside at a World Wrestling Federation event. All he lacked to make that impression perfect was an oversized belt buckle displaying the initials "WJF" (World Jousting Federation). The unexpected contrast made the audience literally ROAR with laughter!!!

Sir Collin dons his helm while his squire prepares to hand him his lance for the first pass in the Joust. Although blunt, these lances are real, solid wood shafts, easily ten feet in length. And they really DO shatter them often on impact!

Standard Disclaimer: This webpage is strictly an *Unofficial* look at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival held near Hammond, LA in the Parish of Tangipahoa. The author of these pages is in no way, shape, manner or form connected with the Louisiana Renaissance Festival (OFFICE ADDRESS: PO Box 220, Robert, LA 70455-0220) 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 ©2000-2001 by George Laking.