The interior of the site has some interesting decor. Some of the rooftops and stages have a ship motif which make for a very original look, especially since we're in the desert. By the mound where the falconer performs is a sculpture of a cavalier (Photo, right) as well as one of a castle surrounded by woods that is in fact a functioning water fountain (to view this photo, click here). Another interesting piece of architecture is the booth of Crytal Stix, famed makers of juggling batons. Their tent reminds me of a dodecahedron--a 20-sided structure (Editor's Note: a geodesic dome; see photo, below). All day you can see cool displays of these toys as well as lessons in how to handle them yourself (to view this photo, click here).

As you peruse the shops, the booth of Windwalker Moccasins quickly catches the eye. It was well known in the old days that, since most people were illiterate, the crafter would hang a symbol outside his shop to signify his wares. However I think this takes that idea to the extreme!

A type of shop I was not used to seeing was Chocolate Maker where they sell dipped strawberries. They had a most bold and unusual hawker (Photo, right) out front who vigorously went about charming women, challenging men to combat and shamelessly posing for photos. I'd lay odds this fellow is an actor! (Incidentally, at the end of the day the strawberries sell at two for one). Like at any good faire, there were plenty of crafters demonstrating their skills such as this smith from Noble Armory (to view this photo, click here) and this woodcrafter who bravely stood out in an open area under direct sunlight (Photo, below). I always have respect and admiration for these people who maintain the traditional arts especially since I'm terrible with my hands.

The Arizona site has one of the best assortment of acts I've ever seen assembled. Some of them included the aforementioned Ded Bob, Cliffhanger-Dangerous Comedy, Don Juan and Miguel, the mud troupe "Theatre in the Ground", Shakespeare's Shorts and Zilch the Tory Stellar (master of spoonerisms). If they had had the Flaming Idiots, it would have been perfect. One act that I came across by accident was the Puckerbrush Players, Allen and Joyce Switzer. They did this charming hammered dulcimer duet. When I briefly caught them they were playing Toccato and Fugue in D minor. For me they were the highlight of the day and I regret I did not get a photo as I was too busy videotaping them. Oh well....

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