Fort Malden Medieval Faire returns to Amherstburg

Jousting was one of the highlights of the Fort Malden Medieval Faire last weekend at Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada

Medieval times and the age of pirates returned to Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada last weekend.

For the second consecutive year, the Fort Malden Medieval Faire came to Amherstburg and jousting, pirate games, entertainment, vendors, magicians, stage shows, and an evening tavern were among the festivities on the grounds over the two days. The June 13-14 event was presented by Faires.ca, with performers making Amherstburg a stop along their travels across the province.

A birds of prey demonstration saw many species shown, including a steppe eagle.

Many of those in attendance joined the performers on hand in being there in costume and getting into the spirit of the event.

Scott and Jen Kopetski of LaSalle came out last Saturday morning and liked what they saw.

“We heard about it and it’s new, so we came out,” said Scott. “We’ve been to a few. 

Scott said they have been to Michigan for Renaissance fairs but said it was nice to have one closer to home. He added they have also seen such fairs when living in California.

Zoltan the Adequate eats fire during his performance the morning of June 13. The second annual festival was June 13-14 and presented by Faires.ca.

“It’s nice to have one outside instead of in a warehouse like one we saw in San Francisco,” he said.

Both said they were entertained and liked the job organizers did. 

The mother-and-son duo of Laurie and Evan Ouellette of LaSalle came to Fort Malden last Saturday, with Laurie even being an assistant to one of the tricks performed by Zoltan the Adequate. 

“I just love the medieval times, the setting and the costuming,” stated Laurie. 

Laurie noted the family has lived in different places across the province but are glad to be in Essex County and they enjoyed having such a fair nearby.

“We thought we’d come check it out,” she said.

“It’s amazing,” added Evan.

Sarah McGibbon of Windsor and Justin Vienneau of Kingsville said they came last year and said they had a lot of fun. 

“I like that they put this on,” said McGibbon. “The closest Renaissance fair is in the States, so it’s nice to have something local.”

“Sibling Rivalry” was one of the shows held during the faire.

Vienneau added he has always been a fan of medieval and fantasy, so he agreed that it was nice to have something in the region to attend.

“It’s nice to be able to come here and see it all in-person,” he said.

Mike Gaudette and Delaney Dejong of Windsor were at Fort Malden Saturday morning. They learned about it a few days earlier and decided to attend. Dejong said she had never been to one before but had been to animé festivals in the past.

“I’m excited to see the jousting,” added Gaudette, who noted it was his first time at the festival. “That’s what I’m looking forward to.”

Faires.ca has upcoming festivals including the Black  Creek Medival Faire this weekend in Toronto, the Maidens of the Mist Renaissance Faire July 4-5 in West Niagara, the Oxford Renaissance Festival Aug. 28-30 in Thorndale and the King’s Town Renaissance Faire Sept. 12-13 in Kingston.

Fort Malden Medieval Faire returns to Amherstburg

By Ron Giofu