TRUMBULL — The Great Lakes Medieval Faire, a 13th century-themed park, will be hosting its last themed event August 10-11. Over the weekend, there was a Celtic celebration. “The Celtic weekend was awesome,” said Laura Kessler, Madame Mayor of Avaloch.
“We had a wedding, Irish dancers, two drum and pipe bands. A dog named Moose, a Great Dane, crashed the wedding reception and the bride loved it. She had to have her picture taken with him.
The Irish Wolfhounds were beautiful. Having bagpipes in the parade and escorting people out after pub sing was so great to see, because people were dancing to music on the way out.” The opening weekend of the faire was on July 6.
According to their website, attendees will be transported back in time to the shire of Avaloch, reminiscent of Sherwood Forest [ancient royal forest in Nottinghamshire, England]. Every year, the faire offers a plethora of entertainment. Some of the performers include: The Áine Celtic Academy [Irish dance school], Barby Holder [musician], Frank DellaPenna [carillon musician], Daniel GreenWolf [Celtic magician], Ty Billings [Celtic Mayhem], Chris Puente [musician], The Dream Folk [group of fae, mages, witches], Jon Norton [The Flaming Ginger], Geagua Highlanders [bagpipe band], The Jackdaws [Irish rock band], Johnny Pheonix [fire artist] and more, according to their website.
Kessler said that the kids love the mermaids. “We have a little bit more magic than most faires,” she said. “To see the kids .
.. their little eyes just light up.
I told one little girl, she was so excited, she got a ring with butterflies. I said oh you have to go show my mermaid. She’s like, ‘you have a mermaid?’ and she grabbed her mom’s hand and takes off running.
” One of the big differences with the Great Lakes Medieval Faire is that pets are allowed. “We get dogs, cats, birds ..
. we’ve had a duck, we’ve had a dove, a chicken, snakes, reptiles, ferret and a turtle,” Kessler said. “Everyone is really happy to bring them out.
” There are over 100 artisans and vendors set up. Perry resident Erin Litwiler is a season pass holder. “I love how family-friendly the fair is,” she said.
“We play on the playground, hang out with mermaids, go on quests with the fairies, trade gold with the pirates and sign and dance with the different performers. “Our favorite activities are story time with the gnome and fairy craft time. We also attended the second annual fairies vs.
pirate water fight ...
it was truly magical. We love the faire and have different costumes for each themed weekend.” The last weekend of the faire is August 10-11, with a superheroes and gamers theme.
“We’re very open and welcoming,” Kessler said. “You’re not ostracized, because you believe or feel differently. Everybody finds a place and they belong.
”.
