The very first time that Master Washington of the Eastern Realm contributed to these wonderful pages; the first of the faires in his native shire that would find enshrinement herein would be a humble little single-day party known as The Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park.

Since that first, short description, Ryleh's Renaissance World has grown by leaps and bounds. Likewise, it can be obviously remark'd upon that the Fort Tryon Park Medieval Festival is neither humble nor little anymore. In fact, so popular has it become that it has earned a permanent place in the faire listings of Renaissance Magazine (to which I say a very spirited Huzzah!). Moreover, it has also won over one 4,000-year-old mage--yours truly, Blackwolf the Dragonmaster, Duke of Spyre Green and Rhye!

Before we get on with presenting the pictures, which I personally had the honor of taking on Festival Day itself (Sunday, September 27th, 1998), I should like to mention that this humble little feature officially marks the completion of Year One since the Grand High Istari, the seven senior mages of the Masters of Good Magic, elevated ol' Blackwolf to the rank and title of "Dragonmaster." One year ago, on Halloween night 1997, I underwent the traditional rituals which, by Magelaw, the chosen one must fulfill in order to be ordained as Dragonmaster. Indeed, as you read this, all the great wizards of the multiverse will soon be gathering in Central Park, in the heart of the Shire of Manhattan, to help me celebrate that first year, and its successful conclusion.

So before I go to join in the happy celebrations, I must share with you the delightful Sunday afternoon I spent exploring the 1998 Fort Tryon Park Medieval Festival! Of course as you know, these images are graphick intense, and may take some time to download--but I shan't bother you with all that technical nonsense. I have, I suppose, become that predictable, haven't I?

We begin with a few important facts: the Festival's presenters are the Parks Department of the City of New York, Henry J. Stern, Commissioner; and the Washington Height/Inwood Development Corporation, Joseph J. Laufer, Chairman--a partnership which, with this year's Medieval Festival, reached a joyous 15th Anniversary (Huzzah!). The Executive Producer is Dennis Reeder; Coordinator of the event was Rose Santo; and Eileen Merle-Rao was the fair maiden in charge of all the performers. (Photo, below): Here you see what Fort Tryon's front gate looks like when festival time doth loom anew!

NEXT PAGE...

Standard Disclaimer: This webpage is strictly an *Unofficial* look at the Fort Tryon Park Medieval Festival held in New York City, New York in September, 1998. The author of these pages is in no way, shape, manner or form connected with the Fort Tryon Park Medieval Festival, the Parks Department of the City of New York, the Washington Height/Inwood Development Corporation, 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 ©1998 by Richard Washington.