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Hayo again! Tis Sunday the 29th and the Faire ended this evening.
The day started on a good note. The sun shone bright to chase the chill air of the night before (it snowed here and there on the valley floor) and gave promise of a good day. As the sun heated the air, clouds gathered and kept the day cool. Only a few scattered rain drops fell...
Beerball was the main feature on the main field. Several players were dragged off by the Lord High Justice for cheating...and that puzzles me. There are NO RULES in Beerball! How could anyone cheat???!? (Photo, above: once the field was clear, another rough and tumble game of Beerball broke out--although after watching for a time, I thought it would more appropriately be called Beerbrawl! Personages of all rank and gender joined the ranks of the teams and in the end, exhausted, bruised, and muddy they adjourned to the pavilions for rounds of drink and boasting).
The English encampment and the Scottish clans had a bit of a row. There was a cannonade of garbage followed by a human wave of Scots who hurled rotten tomatoes by the score at the fleeing English! However, the English, once in their compound, retaliated with rotten oranges and mudballs. This exchange continued for some time, stopping only to resupply both sides with adequate ammunition for the next charge. (Photo, above: the skirmishes between Scots and English eventually led to all out battle. Amidst the smoke of a cannonade of garbage, the Scots charge the English position with rotten tomatoes which they hurled freely at their foe. The English answered with rotten oranges and mudballs gleaned from wheel ruts and swampy places nearby. The battles continued into the afternoon, stopping only briefly while both sides loaded up with more rancid produce to throw at each other. It stopped with a truce--and then the fun began!)
A few pavillions and guilds left because of last night's icy weather. Today, however, more merchants were on hand to beguile the shoppers with wondrous goods from afar. Even I was tempted and bought more than I had money for, endebting myself to them until payday...! (Photo, left: I heard their call, 'DRAGONS FOR SALE!' and instantly went to deal with them. The idea that some of us would be sold as pets, or worse, slaves...!
It turned out the dragons they sold were plush toys and puppets and latex recreations that were very well done. Needless to say, I opened my purse and coinage did flow between us, freely. In the end I took home several plush dragon toys and took time to peruse the dragon jewelry they had on hand. Twas well worth my time, and besides, these folk I knew as friends for a
long time!).
Much more music to be had today. The blacksmith educated the onlookers with history of blacksmiths and did a fine job of demonstrating his craft. Others skilled in woodworking and glass working were on hand as well to show the Olde Arts to the crowds. (Photo, above: the Blacksmith shop was well attended. the history of the Smithy was explained as well as several English Idioms I had never had explanation before. I learned where the expression "Dead as a doornail" came from. It was enlightening to all who heard it).
Once again, the gophers stole the show! Not one, but six little brazen fellows raided various camps and stopped street shows with their antics. The popcorn made on hand was amongst the best I have ever tasted. I wish I had enough money to have taken home a big bag or two. In the end, the weather stayed cool, but did not stop the faire goers and their revelry. A good time was held by all and I--footsore and weary--finally left for home.
MORE PHOTOS of the Tulare Renaissance Festival!RIDE THE DRAGON (below) to return to the Tulare Faire Main Page by clicking on its icon!
All photographs on this page are copyright ©1998 by Gary L. Bell.
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