By Erin Rauch

The 24^th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire ran from the weekends of Jan. 30-31 and Feb. 5-7. Previously hosted at the Thomas Center in downtown Gainesville, the Faire is now held at the Alachua County Fairgrounds.

Linda Piper, Events Coordinator for the past 15 years, expresses her excitement for the positive reactions visitors have.

“Most people have a fun time and that’s why they come,” Piper said.

Furnished with a realistic tournament field, theatres and a gypsy camp, you’ll find yourself pulled in every direction throughout each day’s multitude of activities.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran who prefers to wear a dress with an extravagant bodice and wings or if you’re a first time visitor, the Faire provides all the entertainment you can imagine.

Former Gainesville residents, Michael and Fontaine Huey, have presided over the Hoggetowne Medieval court as King and Queen for 10 years. They’re so dedicated to their positions that they fly from their current home in Atlanta, Georgia each weekend to attend.

Entertainment coordinator Bill Hutchinson says the Hueys give each child special attention by knighting them or giving them a medallion.

“They feel a serious obligation to every child that comes in,” Hutchinson said.

Along with the fun and excitement surrounding the fair’s activities, Hutchinson advocates a very precise and thoughtful choreography throughout each entertainment piece.

The Thieves Guilde hosts the Living Chess Game, “Marian and Her Merry Men.” Just before Robin Hood can marry Maid Marian, another man named Sir Kendrick steps in to take back the woman he lost. But Maid Marian doesn’t just sit back and watch the men fight for her arm, but she takes matters into her own hands.

If a war-torn love story doesn’t suit you, the jousting match will surely grab your attention as two men gallop towards one another in a heroic attempt to be crowned the winner.

But don’t be fooled, even this match is riddled with courting and formality. The host, sporting a hilarious mustache, introduces the King and Queen to start the match.

Tryouts for the esteemed entertainment positions begin in August. Everyone participating in armored combat must also go through special training to make the fighting as realistic and safe as possible.

As the fighters begin to “swing steel”, you’ll find yourself guzzling homemade root beer as if it were your last drink and screaming “huzzah!” at the top of your lungs.

Whether you experienced these exciting events first hand or you missed out on the blast from the past, Hutchinson’s desire can still be fulfilled at next year’s annual event.