The Renaissance was a pivotal time in the history of mankind. It brought people out of the dark ages and introduced many revolutions in science and art. It was a time of kings and queens and knights; and for many people it is one of the most interesting periods in history. One way that modern people still celebrate and learn about this triumphant period in history is through renaissance fairs. In September, The Medieval Fantasies Company and the U.S. Army will partner for the third year in order to give the people of this community the same opportunity at the Fort Bragg Renaissance Faire.

The faire is a family-friendly affair that has an extraordinary number of events that allow the public to see and experience the excitement of a time long past.

“This is an opportunity for families to step back in time and enjoy the atmosphere of knights and ladies and chivalry, to experience jousting and eating a giant turkey leg. It has all the fun and pageantry of the Renaissance age and brings fairy tales and stories to life. It represents this era as something that it could have been rather than something it actually was,” said Sir Black Wolf, the owner of Medieval Fantasies Company.

At the Renaissance Faire there are numerous activities and attractions. Black Wolf named a few of these attractions.

“There will be Paragon Jousting returning with us and the Knightly Order of Fait Lux, which is new. They have live demonstrations of Medieval weaponry. They have demonstration fights with real steel and armor,” he said. “There will be two local belly dancing groups and a few new merchants. The faire is truly full to overflowing as far as what we offer.

The Huntsman and his wife will be returning and they will have at least one Irish Wolfhound with them. We will have a masquerade ball each day, and we also have a new activity. It is the last performance of the day, and the whole cast and performers will gather and all guests are invited to join in and sing the day to a close.”

There will also be many more attractions at the faire, from period soap created by Medieval Soap Co., to realistic stockades and crafts for kids. The faire will be overflowing with opportunities to learn and have fun. If the day leaves you hungry, never fear, refreshments will be sold.

For Sir Black Wolf this faire, in particular, has personal meaning.

“It is rewarding to bring these experiences to people, but it is especially rewarding at Fort Bragg and being able to bring this opportunity to the troops and their families. I’m a veteran and I remember how important it was to have things like this coming to town for the families,” he says.

The faire will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22. It will open at 10 a.m. both days. On Saturday the faire will close at 6 p.m. and it will close at 5 p.m. on Sunday. No weapons are permitted whether they are period or modern. Additionally, no pets, outside alcohol or coolers will be allowed. The cost of admittance is $5 per carload. The faire is staged at Smith Lake Recreation Area, 1200 Honeycutt Rd. For more information, visit http://www.medievalfantasiesco.com/FortBraggRenaissanceFaire.htm or call 396-9126. Join in the fun as Knights joust and minstrels play at the Fort Bragg Renais-sance Fair.ERINN CRIDER, Staff Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcom-ingweekly.com.

Photo: Join in the fun as Knights joust and minstrels play at the Fort Bragg Renais-sance Fair.