Earlier this year, the Tennessee Medieval Faire was awarded by 9 Lakes of East Tennessee and the Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council (covering 16 counties) an Excellence in Tourism Award as the “2018 Best Annual Festival.”
“We are very grateful for the recognition that we are adding value to our community,” said Barrie Paulson, VP-manager and entertainment director.
Now celebrating its 5th year, the Tennessee Medieval Faire invites patrons to go back in time to the High Middle Ages (circa 1190’s) and “Live the Age of Chivalry!” with Robin Hood. This outdoor interactive PG festival will spring to life on May 25 and run for three weekends, including Memorial Day. Dates are May 25-26-27, June 1-2, 8-9. Hours are 11am-6pm ET. The Faire is located 30 miles west of Turkey Creek, near I-40 and Highway 27, at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman, TN. The festival will be open rain or shine.
“The Sheriff of Nottingham is throwing a grand Faire to impress the evil Prince John, his new wife, Isabella, and the beautiful royal ward, Lady Marian,” said Lars Paulson, general manager. “The Sheriff has even given amnesty to Robin Hood and his merry band of brigands in hopes of luring them in for capture. But who will outwit whom?”
New this year will be three themed weekends: “Warriors,” for those honoring Memorial Day weekend; “Celtic/Fantasy,” for tartan and mythical creature enthusiasts; and “Time-Travel,” for cosplay and steampunk fans. Patrons are encouraged to enter the daily costume contest, where winners will be determined by audience applause, and prizes will be awarded. If patrons would like to join Robin Hood’s merry band, they are encouraged to share their talents in the Gong Show.
The Tennessee Medieval Faire is an entertainment-oriented festival. Throughout the 8-acre village, there will be continuous live professional entertainment. In the tournament arena three times a day, Noble Cause Productions will have knights on horseback competing in games and jousting tournaments. Twice a day, Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham will compete at Human Combat Chess—playing a real chess match where the Royal Players (the street character ensemble from greater Knoxville) fight to take over the squares.
Performing on numerous stages will be the following professional comedy and stunt shows:
· Tuey Wilson—comedy stunt juggler, Minneapolis (all show days)
· Cosmo’s Fables, Fantasies & Fortunes—improv and musical comedy, Cleveland (1st and 2nd weekends)
· Einstein Simplified—longest running improv troupe in Knoxville (all days but June 8)
· The Harry Man Show—improvisational college acting troupe from UTK (June 8 only)
· In a Pickle—comedy sword-fighting show by the Royal Players (all show days)
· The Sheriff’s Variety Show—talent show by the Royal Players (all show days)
For the young at heart, there will be the following interactive puppet and folktale entertainment:
· Punch & Judy—puppet shows by Professor Brent DeWitt, International (1st and 2nd weekends)
· Willy Poore’s Penny Merriment—comedy extravaganza, Cosby (3rd weekend)
· Tales of Mythical Creatures—by Loremaster Ficticia, Knoxville (all show days but June 8)
· Tales from the Hood—Robin Hood and his friends, Royal Players (all show days)
· “Chester The Heroic Little Pig,” and “Endicott’s Revenge,” by Lars Paulson; Folktales and Fairy Tales; and “King Alfred and the Queen’s Missing Crown” by Anna Skjei—by the Royal Players
Professional Celtic/Irish and Folk music and Middle Eastern dance will include:
· The CrossJacks—upbeat Celtic and pirate duo, greater Knoxville (all show days)
· Tim Simek & Son—hammer dulcimer and guitar, greater Knoxville (all show days)
· Willy Poore—harp and mandolin, Cosby (all show days)
· Timothy Russell—Celtic and adventure music, Chattanooga (all show days)
· Thunder and Spice—musical duo, Raleigh (1st weekend only)
· Albi Belly Dance—Middle Eastern dance, Knoxville (2nd weekend only)
· Misfit Gypsies—Middle Eastern dance, Bristol (3rd weekend only)
· Two of the Lost Boys—upbeat Celtic duo, greater Atlanta (2nd and 3rd weekends only)
· Black Mash Hollow—traditional olde tyme music, Townsend (May 25, June 1 & 8 only)
· The Marble City Bards—traditional olde tyme music, Knoxville (May 25, June 1 only)
· Brian “Tinker” Leo—Celtic and folk music, Chicago (3rd weekend only)
The entertainment is listed online at https://www.tmfaire.com/list-of-acts. Schedules will be posted on the website before each weekend and will be available at the entrance on show days.
Adding to the festivities will be variety of craft vendors selling their original wares: leather, costumes and accessories, metal, chainmaille, jewelry, ceramics, wooden games, soaps and oils, sketch art, face-painting, and henna tattoos, and more. All vendors accept cash and many accept credit.
Food and beverages will also be available for purchase. The menu will include:
· Roasted turkey legs, pulled pork BBQ, ribs, chicken; BBQ beans, coleslaw, potato salad
· Lamb or chicken gyros, Bourbon chicken on rice
· Philly steak, chicken Philly, chicken quesadillas, Mo-Jo potatoes, fresh fruit punch
· Chicken, egg, and vegetarian wraps; salads and fruit; fresh brewed ice tea, hot and iced coffee
· Roasted corn, ribbon fries, funnel cakes
· Shaved ice, fresh squeezed lemonade, pineapple smoothies in the pineapple
· Festival beverages include water, soda (regular and diet), and beer (ages 21+ with valid ID).
The media and Roane Chamber members are invited to a private sneak-peek “After Hours” event at the Roane Alliance on Thursday, May 16, from 5:30-7:00 pm. Free entertainment as well as food and beverages (including beer and wine) will be provided. There will be chances to win free tickets, and discounted adult tickets will be available for purchase with cash ($10 each, limit 2 per person). Please RSVP by calling Courtney Briley at 865-376-5572, ext. 205.
New this year, entrance and beverage tickets are now available for purchase online. These include discounted season passes (buy 5 days get 2 days free) and weekend passes (buy 1 day get second day half price). These can only be purchased online and are non-transferrable. Please visit https://www.tmfaire.com/online-ticket-sales-season-passes.
Also new this year, in honor of Memorial Day, a buy 1 get second person in free ticket will be available for veterans and first responders only (with veteran or first responder card and additional photo ID), only at the gate on Monday, May 27, Memorial Day.
Tickets will also be available for purchase using cash or credit on show days at the ticket house. Ticket prices using cash are $17 for ages 13+, $8 for ages 5 to 12, and free for ages 4 and under. Field parking is free. All ticket prices include 9.5% sales tax. If using credit (online or at the gate), a $1 convenience fee per entrance ticket, and $1 fee per 10 one-dollar beverage tickets, will be added. There is no ATM onsite, and patrons are encouraged to bring cash for convenience, tips, etc.
For Tennessee Medieval Faire fans, there are discounted motel rooms with free breakfast available at the Baymont Inn in Harriman for $50/night plus tax. Please call 865-590-9097, promo code LKDE.
Festival rules include the following: all costumes and behavior must be family-friendly; no outside food, drinks, or pets (however, service animals are permitted); there can be no loaded or sharp weapons (all stage weapons must be sheathed and zip-tied); and public intoxication is not permitted. Onsite public camping is not available; however, camping and motels are nearby (please visit http://www.roanetourism.com/stay/list/.)
For more information, please visit www.TMFaire.com, “like” and follow the Tennessee Medieval Faire on Facebook, or call 865-376-0319.
Live the Age of Chivalry!
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