The medieval sport of jousting will be the highlight, but a wide array of family fun and entertainment will be offered as the second annual Osoyoos Medieval Faire returns to Desert Park racetrack May 20-21. (Richard McGuire file photo)
The Desert Park Racetrack in Osoyoos is going to be converted into a bustling Medieval Faire over the Victoria Day holiday weekend and organizers are hoping as many as 2,000 residents and visitors will show up to take in the fun.
The inaugural festival stretched out over three days, but organizers of the second annual event felt it would be wise to condense the festival to two days and that’s what will happen on Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21.
“We managed to get more than 1,200 people through the gates after organizing everything in less than six weeks, so I think we can greatly increase those numbers considering we’ve been working hard to organize our second event for the past six months,” said event co-ordinator Bobbie Fischer. “I would be very happy if we could get 2,000 people on the grounds over two days.
“That’s a very reasonable goal considering all of the events we have planned for this year.”
Last year’s inaugural Osoyoos Medieval Faire centred on live jousting – the ancient sport where competitors in full armoured gear race on horses and try and dislodge their opponents with a large wooden jousting pole travelling at very high speeds.
A total of seven professional jousters have been signed up for this year’s event and jousting will once again attract the largest crowds, but this year’s event is offering a full weekend of family-friendly activities, said Fischer.
The weekend will feature food fit for a king, games and vast array of entertainment for all ages, she said.
The Medieval Village that will be set up will feature between 20 and 30 vendors, showcasing and selling artwork, crafts, tarot card readings, a photo booth and much more, she said.
Participants will be able to get dressed in full body armour and have their pictures taken.
There will also be numerous food vendors selling everything from hot dogs, burgers and french fries to poutine and tacos.
Stunt actors will also perform sword fight demonstrations.
Seven dance groups from across the region will also perform throughout the weekend.
There will also be a Medieval Pub set up by The Cannery Brewery in Penticton and Adega Winery in Osoyoos will supply red and white wine so adults can enjoy a drink while taking in the fun, she said.
Next to the jousting, the biggest attraction should be the Medieval Feast that will be served to 125 inside the gymnasium in the grandstand building on Saturday evening, said Fischer.
Tickets for this event are being sold separately at $65 apiece and will be limited to the first 125 people who purchase them, she said.
“There will be nice touches like the menu being presented on ancient scrolls and Neon Wolfe Creations from Penticton will be serving a fantastic meal, while a Celtic band performs,” she said.
There will be dog agility performances and a kids zone on site throughout the weekend as well, she said.
“Last year was all about the jousting, so we wanted to expand on that and feature a fun family weekend where there’s something to do for every member of the family,” she said.
Tickets are now on sale. The price is $15 for a one day ticket for adults ($20 at the gate), $10 for children ($15 at the gate) and $65 for the Medieval Feast.
Fischer thanked the Desert Park Exhibition Society for supporting this event.
Dozens of volunteers are going to be needed before and during the festival. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Fischer by email at [email protected].
Tickets are available at the Osoyoos Times office on Main Street and online at www.osoyoosfaire.com.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
