With pipes skirling and banners flying, the King's Mercenary Highlanders (Scots Highland bagpipers) lead off the Royal Procession accompanied by a ferocious Vyking and what appears to be a stiltwalking body puppet. At that point in time, the MRF Procession was the longest Faire parade Ryleh had yet witnessed: not only did all the entertainers, Faire Royalty, lords and ladies, and the Shirefolk participate, but the craft and food vendors also sent at least one representative to carry a banner. It was a most impressive spectacle!

The body puppets were new to Ryleh--altho he had seen them earlier in broadcasts of Mardi Gras celebrations--yet he had not seen them before on the Faire circuit until MRF. Here, the "Duchess"--a "Lady" puppet--passes in review as the parade winds its way up Queen's Walk. All the players inside the puppets had to be admired for sheer stamina, if nothing else: for the Procession began at the Front Gate, followed North King's Boulevard to Royalty Hill, presumably made a tour around the Upson Downs Jousting Field, then returned to the Front Gate by way of the Queen's Walk...all done under a blazing, noonday sun with high humidity!

A colorful show of banners and standards leads off the vendors' share of the parade. The sheer number and variety of costumed players and participants with their bells, drums and other musical instruments made the Royal Procession not only a real delight for the eye and ear--but a treat for the camera as well!

Another body puppet in the MRF parade. This one was somewhat upstaged in this picture both by the costumes of the other Shirefolk (check out the two ladies in the lower left) as well as the dancing banner bearer, who really seems to be enjoying the bagpipes of the King's Mercenary Highlanders just ahead. It was this spontaneous, playful spirit which made MRF a real joy for Ryleh--and a real regret he had so little time to enjoy it!

King George (Mike Libby) and Queen Gwendolyn (Kelly Boczek) greet their subjects and patrons alike during the Royal Procession at Noon.The Royal Canopy was a nice touch as, in my experience to that point, Faire Royalty had simply walked the grounds unprotected from sun or the elements. From the droop of the canopy, however, methinks the bearers should be flogged for taking their charge so lightly!

MORE PHOTOS OF THE MRF PARADE!

or RIDE THE DRAGON (below) to return to the MRF Main Page by clicking on its icon!

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page