The third annual Gumeracha Medieval Fair was opened in great style on the 2nd of May by Councillor Val Hall in Federation Park. The sun turned out for us both days and it was another huge success! Crowds of over 7000 turned out and from the feedback forms they tell us that they had another wonderful time enjoying the medieval spectacle.
If you attended this Year, please take the time to fill out our Survey form
All this historical fun and frivolity has been put together with the co-operation of local community and service groups of the Torrens Valley and last year net profits of $14,000 were dispersed back into the local community by the Management Committee. The contribution for this year has yet to be determined. This exciting annual event is one which will benefit the whole of the Gumeracha and Torrens Valley district.
This year the most popular attractions were evenly matched between:
-
The COMBAT ARENA saw some fierce fighting this year from the local Re-enactment Groups. Knights, Vikings in full scale melee were there as well as the more refined but just as deadly Rapier matches with the ladies. The Crusader “King” was distracted by the Tribal Dancers and the Border Celts and Ghille Mhor Dancers showed the skills that make them worthy combatants with their dexterity. The Medieval Dancers with Maureen Morris showed the crowds some gentler activities and the Costume Competitions both days attracted some very well dressed patrons indeed.
Once again musicians from across the state came to provide integral sound and colour from many cultural backgrounds. Further enhancing the scene was the “Merchants Lane” offering a wide range of medieval-style crafts and activities. The dedicated children’s area where the Storytellers, an animal Nursery and Face painting joined with a place where lots of children’s costumes were available. The very popular Punch and Judy show drew crowds of excited children as well as their parents. There was a lot for the whole family to enjoy.
In the Viking encampment in the Medieval Village it was particularly interesting, with the residents showing the visitors their techniques of campfire cooking and the ancient art of Blacksmithing and Chain mail making. The other more “knightly” encampments chatted to the visitors about their activities and the Medieval Archers gave demonstrations of the famous English longbow. The “Days of Knights” historical Re-enactment Group from Melbourne gave practical demonstrations of daily life in medieval times and offered “hands on” opportunities to the young people passing by.
The Food purveyors provided us with sumptuous tastes and aromas and an area with a focus on the foods and beverages derived in the local Torrens Valley area was with Wendy and David Cook of the Birdwood Wine & Cheese Centre. They found the local Mead was very popular and Wendy’s famous “mulled wine” kept her very busy all weekend. The famous “Mien Hosts” from the Lobethal Bierhaus were on tap serving their award winning beers during the day and at night in the Town Hall for the Medieval Feast. Sean Bradshaw of H.Q. Cuisine provided a sumptuous and tasty meal which had the “Feasters” licking their lips for more and the entertainment organised by local identity Bob Brooksby of “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” was very exciting with the participation of members of the audience.
Gumeracha Medieval Fair -
Federation Park, Main Rd Gumeracha South Australia. |
