Hoggetowne Medieval Faire

For the past two weekends, the Alachua County Fairgrounds in Gainesville, FL, has been transformed into the sixteenth century kingdom known as the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire.

For the past two weekends, the Alachua County Fairgrounds in Gainesville, FL, has been transformed into the sixteenth century kingdom known as the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire.

This is people watching at its best as people will come in a variety of costumes and garb. During the faire you are likely to encounter knights, wenches, pirates, peasants, dragons, Scotsmen, and, of course, the king and queen.

You may see fairies, dancers, gypsies, jugglers and knife handlers.

Great fun is had each year at the festival, as there are parades, jousts, and a live chess game complete with sword fighting. There are musicians, singers and dancers. The vendors sell jewelry, magic wands, leather goods, garb, and swords.

Rent a costume or come dressed for the day. Several venders do hair braiding or you could purchase an old instrument and become part of the entertainment as you stroll the grounds.

There are many street performances as well as scheduled acrobats, fairy tale stories and comedy shows.

Children delight in elephant and camel rides and even push rides in a barrel or a dragon! There is a fun-filled maze, archery, and other fun games like Bump-a-Monk to keep everyone entertained. Adults may even want to try their hand at axe throwing.

It would not be a faire without food. You can get a turkey leg fit for a king or peasant as well as many other choices such as shepherd’s pie, falafel, sweet potato fries, homebrewed sodas.

If you did not get a chance to partake in the festivities this year, be sure to take a trip to the sixteenth century early next year. You won’t be disappointed.