Fairies were at the fore this past weekend at the Great Lakes Medieval Faire in Rock Creek, Ohio. The nineteen-year-old festival celebrated its “Fun, Fire, and Fantasy” theme on July 23-24.
Fairies are a regular feature every weekend at the Faire. The Great Lakes Medieval Faire has a special Fairyland section (called Arcadia) devoted to the entertainment of small children. Arcadia includes a storytelling section, a crafts area (where children can create their own magic wands), and a variety of games. The Great Lakes Medieval Faire is one of the few fairs in the nation that includes a permanent fairyland.
On “Fun, Fire, and Fantasy” weekend fairies are especially in evidence. According to Tinkerbell, who guided the Fairies Examiner around the festival, the Faire is hosted by the Duke of Avaloch, who invites the King and Queen—and the public—to an enchanted glen near Cleveland. Visitors can follow the story of two feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets, and watch them try to resolve their differences through a game of life-sized combat chess.
Although the Faire has a different theme for each weekend it is open in July and August, at least seven fairies are present every weekend: Tinkerbell (a spring fairy), Snowdrop (a winter fairy), Sprout (a summer garden fairy), Aurora (a summer sun fairy), Noelle (a winter storytelling fairy), Pan the Satyr (an autumn forest guardian), and Toad (the spring Green Man), as well as Eiko the Pooka (a fox spirit). Between them, they care for young visitors and make sure that all guests have an excellent time.
Visitors are encouraged to dress up as their favorite fairies or magical creatures while visiting the Faire. Dragons, fairies, and elves (including Link from “The Legend of Zelda”) make appearances regularly.
The Great Lakes Medieval Faire has maintained the charm and magic of the original Renaissance Faires of thirty years ago. Although there are plenty of vendors selling wonderful merchandise (including magic wands and fairy art), it still feels non-commercial and gives the impression that you are being transported to another realm.
The Great Lakes Medieval Faire continues through August 14. For directions to the Faire and more information about each weekend's theme, visit the Faire's Web site: http://medievalfaire.com.
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