The Sarasota Medieval Fair arrived to Sarasota last weekend and it did not disappoint. With King Edwards II (from England) and  Robert the Bruce (from Scotland) welcoming us through the gates, the world changes back a few hundred years and the festivities began. Everything you would expect was present at the 2015 version of the Sarasota Medieval Fair this year. Jousting, combat, crafts for sale, turkey legs, and of course, lots of ale (beer).

The two main events at the fair this year that I feel is a must see is the jousting and the human chess board. This year the jousting is brought to you by The Knights of Valour, whom are part of the History Channel’s reality show Full Metal Jousting. As the knights ride the horses down the list and hear the impact of the lances against the armor, you just sit back saying WOW! After seeing the lance shatter into many pieces and seeing the knight turn around for another run, you can only admire them for what they do to entertain us.

The human chess match (directed by Dean Bowden) is another big event of the fair. Watch King Edward II and his entourage play chess against Robert the Bruce and his followers. When it is time to take a piece, combat begins. There is no guarantee that the knight will take the pawn in this form of chess. you must see to believe. The fight scenes were realistic looking and makes you want to come back to see what will happen in the second or third shows during the day.

Combat is not the only thing that happens at this fair though. Just like any medieval society, there is entertainment aplenty. Watch Cu Dubh entertain on the Castle Stage with their Turkish Drums and Highland Bagpipes. See Cast In Bronze on The Carillion Stage perform on their 4 tons of bells in a  musical experience you shall never forget. There is also a presentation of the Birds of Prey, Ichabod Wainwright on his Wheel of Death, and the infamous Wishing Well Wenches (wary, this show is PG-13).

There is food aplenty from traditional Scottish Faire, turkey legs, gyros, corn on the cob, and numerous other offerings. Also, there is the ale of various flavors to truly make the fair a medieval experience. Even if not purchasing, visiting the various crafts can bring an appreciation to the art these craftsmen bring to you, and it is appreciative to them to have you see their wares.

The Sarasota Medieval Fair is truly an experience one must be part of. I thoroughly enjoyed the day in Ringling Woods and look forward to visiting it again. They have featured acts on each of the following two weekends and some acts all weekends. You can purchase advance tickets on their website as well as at the gate itself. Visit the fair and bow to your liege and drink a pint with your performer after his/her show. Enjoy this experience that comes to Sarasota once a year, the Sarasota Medieval fair.

David “Thrills”
The Thrill Freak @TampaAmazeMe

David “Thrills” is an avid enthusiast of thrill parks and entertainment activities in the Tampa Bay Area. Be sure to follow me on twitter for live tweets or email me at tampathrillme@gmail.com for any questions or concerns.