In these two photos, Jeff Campbell ("Fudd the Jester"), Scott Eck ("William Shakespeare"), Don Kilcoyne ("Tommy Ache"), Kelly Kilcoyne ("Caitlan Copperpot"), and Amy Fellers ("Henrietta Burbage")--assisted by two unsuspecting audience members--present what has come to be a Sterling Forest tradition: "Instant Shakespeare." Created by Scott Eck, the idea is that the Bard of Avon (Photo, left) is in a fix, as he needs to complete his newest play in a big hurry. To that end, he enlists the aid of a few of the villagers--and, as you see here, one or two mortals possessing a jolly sense of humor (Photo, right)! The result is a hilarious Medieval-style version of what you mortals call "Mad Libs." Indeed, I understand that the Disney Channel has enlisted the services of The Eternal Youth, he that is called Dick Clark, to produce a "Mad Libs" game show! Why such a concept was deem'd necessary, I shall never know. Anyway, "Instant Shakespeare" has never failed to tickle the funny bones of those who have fallen 'neath its merry spell!

Here we see "Pelt the Prisoner" (Photo, left). This little realm, along with the similar "Dunk the Jester" (Oh, dear: I do hope Fudd was not involved in this one!), doth herald a Medieval Festival innovation: the Gaming Row. Here, knights and warriors of all ages test their coordination and throwing prowess, e'en as they dare to punish those roguish knaves who have committed some sort of transgression against milord and/or milady. Fortunately, we are assured, both pelter and dunker have been personally selected by a team of squires to the Knights of the Heights for their irritating personalities and their ability to foment the wrath of any and all who dare venture near them!

The tale this couple told me when I took this next picture is that they have been, alas, ostracized from their kingdom. He, Sir Morgan, is Caucasian; she, Lady Nkomite, is Moorish. The very fact that they have dared to find happiness together is cause enough, some would say, to banish both from any realm. I, on the other hand, would disagree, for e'en in modern mundane times, what you call race relations continues to be a topic of far-reaching interest. Doubly so amongst we who practice the Discipline of Thaumaturgy, for tolerance among all beings is something we mages hold extremely sacred!

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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.