School Info

• It is recommended that there be at least one adult supervisor for every 8 children.
• Students should use the buddy system and/or stay in assigned groups.
• It is helpful if students are identified as part of a group (e.g. nametags or labels with school name and contact information on their person, matching school shirts, etc.).
• Have an agreed upon meeting place and time such as the Cleveland County Veterans Memorial, in the Southwest section of Reaves Park. (it has a tall flagpole so it is easily found from almost anywhere in the park)

A variety of food and drink is available from over 40 vendors. Jumbo corn dogs are $8, turkey legs are $16, and pizza by the slice is $8, just to name a few. A student will need about $15 to eat a meal at the Medieval Fair. A complete listing of food vendors and their menus is available on the Special Events Blog page. Sack lunches are permitted however refrigeration (or other storage) is not available for students’ lunches at Reaves Park.

*Schools are responsible for enforcing and informing their students of school policies regarding weapons. *

All weapons, real or play, must be in a sheath and peace-tied at all times. All demonstrations involving weapons are allowed only in secured and pre-approved areas. Weapons are sold at the fair, but no weapons may be sold to minors. While vendors have been informed of school policy regarding weapons, it is the responsibility of the school to enforce and inform students of their policy.

The year is 1360, and King Edward III and Queen Philippa have decided to visit the town of Avalon’s first market fair of spring after a long and dreary winter.  The black plague is believed to be gone and England has just signed the treaty of Bretigny with France after 20 years of war.  Everyone is ready to celebrate victory and peace (this will later be referred to as the Hundred Years War, if students want to research it).

An excellent short overview of period costumes can be found in Nancy Bradfield's book Historical Costumes of England 1066-1968 on pages 38-41. If students are interested in creating costumes, basic silhouette patterns are available in Katherine Strand Holkeboer's book Patterns for Theatrical Costumes: Garments, Trims, and Accessories from Ancient Egypt to 1915 in the section on the 14th century. These might be available at your local libraries and both are available online through Amazon and other similar vendors.

The Arthurian Order of Avalon is non-profit educational and performance organization. Their mission is to educate its membership and audiences in Medieval and Arthurian ideals, history, and culture in order to instill, preserve, and promote the concepts of chivalry, courtesy, and honor.  See the displays and projects created by their membership at the AOA Educational Tent.

Provides interactive lectures and demonstrations of the daily Life in the Late Middle Ages (1300 - 1500 AD) presented by characters from Chaucer's classic literary work.  Stop by to learn about textile production, medicine and surgery in the 14th century, or the basics of using an astrolabe.

Living history presentations regarding weaponry and military structure of the middle ages.  You can even test your own fighting skills against one of the guards.

A student and alumni organization focused on academic understanding of the Middle Ages.  This year’s presentation will include highlights of past displays such as Viking shields, ship burials, Bayeux tapestry and the 21-foot Trebuchet, the Chien de Guerre, complete with appropriate equipped crew for 1360.

Raptors Keep is a federally permitted and insured Raptor Education and Conservation demonstration program.  Learn about the history of falconry, current conservation, rescue, rehabilitation and more.

A non-profit organization of amateur and professional artists and craftsmen whose purposes are the sharing of knowledge, education and to promote a more general appreciation of the fine craftsmanship everywhere.  Discover the science and artistry of blacksmithing at live forges.

A world-wide non-profit organization whose purpose is to recreate life in the Middle Ages for the enlightenment and education of others. Medieval and Renaissance style combat, dancing, art and science demonstrations. To learn more, ask a member about joining or visit www.sca.org.