Fort Malden Medieval Faire coming to Amherstburg June 14-15

The medieval period will be represented next month at Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada.

Faires Canada is presenting the first-ever Fort Malden Medieval Faire the weekend of June 14-15. The event will feature jousting, magic, comedy, birds of prey, pirate cannon shows and more over the two days.

The company runs renaissance fairs across the province, and is now coming to this area. They are based out of the Stratford area.

Greg Schuurman, one of the producers, said the new fair in Amherstburg will appeal to people of all ages.

“It’s something you can spend the whole day at,” Schuurman said. “It’s a family event.”

Calling the Fort Malden Medieval Faire “an immersive experience,” Schuurman stated there will also be red coats, pirates and more. 

“We have seven renaissance fairs across Ontario,” Schuurman explained.

Schuurman said there is a lot of interaction at these types of fairs and believes it will be a special experience for the general public.

“It’s totally different than any festival you’ve ever attended if you have never been to one before,” he predicted. “The atmosphere is totally different.”

Festivals are slightly tailored to each individual location, he added, and that there will be events and attractions geared towards Amherstburg. He said they were pleased to be able to use Fort Malden National Historic Site.

“The location encouraged us to come to Amherstburg,” said Schuurman. “Our hope is to keep it there every year. For us to get in there was a real treat for us because we had discussed the possibility.” 

It’s a fun event for people to attend, he added, pointing out some dress as cosplayers and others are in a variety of other costumes. Dressing up is not required though.

Their oldest festival is the Oxford Renaissance Festival, which is held near London every September. Last year’s event drew over 11,000 people.

Attendance will be a factor as to whether the Fort Malden Medieval Faire becomes an annual attraction, though Schuurman said they hope to draw people from all over Windsor-Essex County and from the Sarnia area.

More information and tickets are available at www.faires.ca. Single day passes are $24.52 for adults, $22.68 for seniors (65+), $21.98 for students (10-18 years) and free for ages 4-9. Early Bird pricing for a weekend pass is $37.85.

Fort Malden Medieval Faire coming to Amherstburg June 14-15

By Ron Giofu