The medieval Super Bowl
Illustration by Zoe Arntsen, Illustrator
Nobility, wizards, puritans, goblins, vikings and a posse of gnomes stepped out of their modern-day carriages in the parking lot, eager to journey back in time to a simulated medieval world. The only caveat: they couldn’t break character.
Gathered Saturday April 11 at the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale, CA, faire-goers and workers clad crown to boot in period-accurate garb or elements of nature itself — such as mushrooms and tulips — were just as mesmerizing to see as the events of the faire itself.
Among quests like archery and axe-throwing, perfumery, Shakespeare performances, tea parties, art and crafts and jousting tournaments, there were a multitude of activities available. From Seraphim Arabesque Ensemble and Moonie the Magnif’cent to The Washing Well Wenches, almost all acts were supported by an ASL interpreter.
Lining the main dirt path of the faire were merchants selling artisan crafts, such as tiaras, custom board games, jewelry, leather and pottery. Elaborate costumes for rent or purchase were offered in boutiques if folks wanted to create their outfit on the spot.
The immersion was not only succeeded in the clothing, but also in added accents, mannerisms and personas as passersby either wished you “good morrow” or “a plague upon thee.”
“It really adds to it when everyone participates,” said junior strategic communication major Varenna Morris.
Morris pointed out the many Lord Farquaads and glittery mermaids, just some of many that were in their element in this accepting environment.
Purchasing a discounted ticket through the Chapman University Program Board (UPB) partnership event, Morris appreciated the chance for students to be able to go somewhere they perhaps otherwise may not have been able to.
“It definitely allows for artistic expression by dressing up and experiencing — I mean, obviously it isn't accurate Renaissance — a subculture that's very interesting to experience,” said Morris. “There's a whole group of people that we probably wouldn't have been able to meet if they didn't give us this discount or this opportunity.”
Having previously taken students to the popular Medieval Times, the Renaissance Faire was chosen due to a combination of student interest and the 25 student volunteers that ideate each event at UPB.
“As the director of this event, I planned on attending for a shorter period of time and leaving earlier in the day… that did not happen,” said junior strategic and corporate communication major and Off-Campus Trips Director Noah O’Mahony.
“The day was completely jam packed with programming and there was always a show to watch, a place to shop, a booth with a medieval game or great food to try,” O’Mahony said. “My friends and I got a 30-minute fencing lesson that ended in a duel tournament, which I won.”
According to O’Mahony, this was one of the smoothest events he had put on. Between check-in, parking and friendly staff, it was a quick process entering the faire grounds.
“As a first time Renn Faire goer, I can definitely attest that costumes are incredibly
important for a Renn Faire experience,” said O’Mahony. “While it can be a little daunting seeing the costumes that some people make, a little can go a long way.”
Clad in a peasant outfit, O’Mahony felt that those that weren’t in costume stood out the most. He even found himself joining in on the “good morrows” and character language as he warmed up to the atmosphere.
At the end of the day was the final joust: a battle between shield-wielding knights on horses as everyone gathered in the arena. It was a ruthless, fake bloody combat that ended in chaos, as knights set on foot with their swords.
“It was strangely immersive and I really felt like a peasant cheering for my knights,” said O’Mahony.
Not only were there pretend clashes, but a real fight as a pirate-dressed perpetrator pushed a civilian down from the top of the bleachers. It was clearly not part of the bit as profanity and physical contact broke out between the two.
The crowd erupted in pointed-finger jabs, chanting “shame” repetitively until security removed him from the arena. The fallen civilian remained unharmed, likely left with the same questions many in attendance were asking: was that guy defending his honor, or just really committed to having a seat to the joust?
“If you're hesitant to go, I honestly wouldn't be,” said Morris. “I was a little bit put off at the idea of it at first because I felt like I didn't have the ‘correct outfit,’ but people were complimenting. Everyone was just very nice and very inclusive. So I feel like it's definitely not a place to be scared of or hesitant.”
The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire is set to continue forth till May 17.