Performers wage battle during the Living Chess Match performance.
Photo by Megan V. Winslow
Margaret Ebert shimmies a flaming hula hoop around her waist as Cameron Tomele, middle, and Arie Suter, bottom, hold her aloft on Saturday. The trio are part of a traveling acrobatic group called Barely Balanced.
The Faire will also be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21-22, followed by 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 28-29.
Admission is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors (ages 60 and older), $17 for military (with valid ID), $10 for youths (ages 5-17), and free for children (4 years and under). Family Friday on Jan. 27 features reduced-price ticket sales for all guests.
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The city of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs organizes the Faire each year, and ticket purchases and additional information are available at www.HoggetowneMedFaire.com, any Gator Domino’s in Gainesville, or the Historic Thomas Center.
Photo by Megan V. Winslow A customer throws an axe at the Hoggetown Medieval Faire on Saturday.Jim Greene, known professionally as “Emrys Fleet,” celebrates after securing a volunteer, Bambi Scott of Gainesville, for his comedic “Rat Extravaganza” show.
Photo by Megan V. WinslowPhoto by Megan V. Winslow A merchant fits a faire attendee for elf ears.Photo by Megan V. Winslow A participant of the Living Chess Match waves his weapon and shouts Huzzah! alongside his compatriots and foes at the end of the game.Photo by Megan V. Winslow A skilled axe thrower provides instruction to his customer.Photo by Megan V. Winslow A stuffed badger keeps a warmly attired woman company.Photo by Megan V. Winslow Although the temperature failed to inch above the low 50’s Saturday, sunny skies basked the day’s festivities in some warmth.Photo by Megan V. Winslow Arie Suter revels in audience applause after Barely Balanced’s performance.Photo by Megan V. Winslow Food on offer at the faire included burritos, pizza and Greek gyros.Photo by Megan V. Winslow Margaret Ebert shimmies a flaming hula hoop around her waist as Cameron Tomele, middle, and Arie Suter, bottom, hold her aloft. The trio are part of a traveling acrobatic group called Barely Balanced.Photo by Megan V. Winslow In addition to costuming themselves in period-appropriate attire, some faire attendees dressed up their four-legged friends as well.Photo by Megan V. Winslow “Morgana,” left, challenges “Arthur” for the right to wield Excalibur, the sword of kings.Photo by Megan V. Winslow A colorful character beckons onlookers to follow the royal procession across the fairgrounds.
Photo by Megan V. Winslow A boy marvels at a performer perched atop stilts.
Photo by Megan V. Winslow A faire goer quenches his thirst from brew within a horn.Tricia Moore of Tennessee braids the hair of Anna Fuhler of Middleburg, Florida.
Photo by Megan V. WinslowPhoto by Megan V. Winslow A faire-goer takes aim at masked hecklers serving as human bulls-eyes.Photo by Megan V. Winslow A knight declares victory over a foe during the Living Chess Match.Photo by Megan V. Winslow A town crier announces the royal procession.
Photo by Megan V. Winslow Children stage a mock battle beside performers entertaining an audience.
Photo by Megan V. Winslow A young lass taking part in the royal procession curtseys.Photo by Megan V. Winslow Amanda Renaud, right, rallies the crowd as part of her “Topsy Turvy” act, which she performs with her “sister,” Lily LaBelle, left. Renaud and LaBelle are traveling performers based out of the Kansas City and Tampa areas.Photo by Megan V. Winslow Belly dancers and gypsies were among those trailing the royal procession.Photo by Megan V. Winslow Faire attendees and performers alike cheered on the royal procession as it meandered by.Photo by Megan V. Winslow Faire attendees observe the Living Chess Match performance.Photo by Megan V. Winslow Gypsies and belly dancers were among those trailing the royal procession.
Photo by Megan V. Winslow A boy looks up at a performer perched atop stilts.
Photo by Megan V. Winslow Lady Susan Griffin of Magnolia, Texas, paints a unicorn upon the face of Hadley Herndon, 7, of Valdosta, Georgia. Griffin, who has worked the Gainesville event for 30 years, said 2023’s iteration will be her “swan song.”Photo by Megan V. Winslow Performers wage battle during the Living Chess Match performance.Photo by Megan V. Winslow Performers wage battle during the Living Chess Match performance.Photo by Megan V. Winslow Performers wage battle during the Living Chess Match performance on Saturday.Photo by Megan V. Winslow Ken Adams leads “Skippy the Dragon,” portrayed by Robert Walker, along so attendees may pose for photographs with the fearsome beast. Both Adams and Walker are from Gainesville.
Actually,KEN Adams is leading Skippy and VIKTOR Adams was guarding the other side of Skippy.