31st Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire Brings Fun and Entertainment to Gainesville
On Sunday, February 5th, 2017 Gainesville’s 31st annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire came to a close.
The five-day event took place from January 28-29 and February 3-5. This family-friendly event allowed patrons to watch a live joust, a melee tournament, a parade of musicians and performers, a hawk show, and a troupe of singing “wenches.” The fair also had close to 200 food and souvenir vendors at which one could buy giant turkey legs, swords, jewelry, costumes, and more.
Sir William Marshall atop his steed during the live joust at Hoggetowne Medieval Faire on Feb. 5, 2017, in Gainesville, Fla. (Photo: Mal Carney)
Cherri Tart, a member of the singing group Just Desserts, has been performing at the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire for six years. She’s been attending the faire for almost ten years.
“Before I was a performer I was just a patron, so I really enjoyed coming. It’s a great community event. There’s a lot of fun things that you normally wouldn’t see. It’s like an arts festival and a music festival and a museum kind of all mixed in together,” Cherri said.
Like museums, Hoggetowne Medieval Faire also serves to educate the community. The fair has a school day at which groups can obtain 50-page educational guides for classroom use. There is also an essay and art contest for local school-aged children.
Though this year’s Hoggetowne is over, those hoping to attend next year’s festival can begin preparing now. For tips on creating your own Medieval costume, check Pinterest for do it yourself guides. Tickets for the fair can be bought in advance, but tickets for the 2018 fair are not yet available.
The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire has become a staple of the Gainesville community. For 31 years the fair has brought art, entertainment, and culture to the city. As one of only fifteen Renaissance, Medieval, or pirate fairs in Florida the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire is a rare opportunity for Floridians to experience the era of knights, squires, and mounted combat.
Follow the fair’s Facebook page for more details.