First-ever Fort Malden Medieval Faire comes to Amherstburg

Before the start of the joust, the participants showed various skills they learned over the years.

A glimpse of the medieval period was on display last weekend.

The first-ever Fort Malden Medieval Faire was held Saturday and Sunday at Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada. Presented by Faires.ca, the medieval festival featured jousting, treboucher launching, birds of prey, stage shows featuring Zoltan the Adequate, Sibling Rivalry and Men in Tights, aerialists and pirate cannon shows.

“I do renaissance,” said Lisa Valliere of Windsor. “I thought I’d see the first one here.”

Valliere said she liked what she saw and experienced.

“It’s pretty good for the first time,” she said. 

Valliere said she has been to renaissance fairs in Wisconsin, Ohio and Michigan and that it was nice to have one closer to home.

“If they keep it up, I think it could be even bigger,” added her son Troy.

Micheal Reeve, who also goes under the Viking name of Jarl Ingvar Ragnarson, was part of the Rosstad Norsefolf encampment, with his name translating into Shield Wall Against Hate. The Windsor resident said he has been part of encampments and events at Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada before but this was the first time as part of an all-Viking group.

“It’s a good start,” he said of the festival. “It’s something to build on. It’s got some really good stones.”

The medieval group he is part of dates back to the years 700-1000, with “Rosstad” part of the name translating into “Rose City.”

“This is something we can help out with and help build up,” he said of the faire. “If this is successful, we’d love to do it again.”

Dan Soulliere of Belle River and Kat Hood of Windsor came to Amherstburg for the faire. 

“This is the first renaissance fair (locally) so I wanted to be part of it,” said Hood

Hood said she liked all of the events that were going on during the event with Soulliere listing a series of events as to what he enjoyed about the festival.

They were two of the many people that came in costume, with Hood stating they put it together the day before.

“It was last minute but it worked out,” Soulliere of their costumes.

Kathie Donaldson of LaSalle came to the festival with her grandchildren Kay, Jorey and Rorry Rupert of Windsor. 

“We come to (Amherstburg) Uncommon every year,” said Donaldson. “I saw this festival advertised and thought it sounded like fun.”

Donaldson added her family enjoys doing things together, remarking “I’m pleased I have teenagers that still want to do things with me.” 

“We had thousands in attendance and plan to be bigger and better next year. If they missed and want to catch another one of our faires this year please visit www.faires.ca,” said producer Greg Schuurman.

First-ever Fort Malden Medieval Faire comes to Amherstburg

By Ron Giofu