Entertainment Will Abound at the Tennessee Medieval Faire

Media Sneak-Peek Party Onsite 5/17 from 5:30-7pm, please RSVP
Free Movie “Adventures of Robin Hood” Princess Theater 5/18 at 7pm
Discounted Rooms at Baymont Inn and Suites for Faire Fans

Let the 4th annual Tennessee Medieval Faire take you back in time to the High Middle Ages and where you will live the Age of Chivalry with Robin Hood.  This interactive themed outdoor festival will begin on May 19 and will run for three weekends including Memorial Day.  The Faire is located just 30 miles west of Turkey Creek, near I-40, at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman, TN.

“The Sheriff of Nottingham is throwing a grand Faire to impress the evil Prince John and the innocent royal ward, Maid Marian,” said Lars Paulson, general manager.  “The Sheriff has invited Robin Hood and his merry friends in the hopes of luring them in for capture.  But who will be the mouse and who will be the cheese?  Come and see!” 

There will be professional entertainment throughout the eight-acre medieval village.  On the Field of Honor will be The Royal Joust by Noble Cause, Combat Chess by the Royal Players street character ensemble, and Rugby Games by the Knoxville Rugby Club.  Feats of skill will be showcased on stage by Up Down Go (May 19-20) and Aaron Bonk with his Fire, Whips and Swords (May 26-27-28, June 2-3).  Interactive stage shows will include The Gwendolyn Show, Einstein Simplified (every day but May 26), The Delights Improv (May 26), and Albi Belly Dance (June 2-3).

Patrons can enter the costume contest, where winners will be determined by audience applause.  If patrons want to join Robin Hood’s merry band, they can share their talents in the Gong Show.  For the young at heart, there will be Punch and Judy puppet shows by Professor Brent DeWitt and Alan O’Dale’s Variety Show featuring Snort the Dragon.

The Royal Players will also perform interactive shows of Rogues Gallery, the Royal Variety Show, Chester the Heroic Little Pig, Folktales and Fairy Tales, Speed Courting, Folk Dancing, and more.  Many free activities will be available including corn hole, tetherball, the stocks, Jumbie Jam steel drum, etc.; and getting knighted by the King will be featured after each chess match.

Acoustic Irish and Celtic music will be played throughout the village.  Regional bands include The Crossjacks, The Reelin’ Rogues, Dreams of Kings, Three of the Lost Boys (May 19-20), and Boogertown Gap (May 26-27-28).  On May 19, Youth Chamber Minstrels from Bravura Music Academy and Roane State Celebration Singers will perform.  In addition, there will be music on the mandolin by Alan O’Dale (Glenn Allen), bagpipe by James Winslow, and penny whistle by R. Reagan de Busk (May 20, June 2-3).  Duet music will be played on the hammer dulcimer and guitar by Tim and Michael Simek (May 20, 26-27-28), and Celtic harp and guitar by Lisa Dunn and Terry Conser (May 26-27-28).

 
The entertainment is listed online at https://www.tmfaire.com/list-of-acts and could change slightly.  Schedules will be posted on this website before each weekend and will also be available at the entrance on show days.

Adding to the festivities will be variety of craft vendors selling their original wares, including leather, glass, jewelry, costumes, pottery, wood, soaps and oils.  Face-painting and henna tattoos will also be available.  There will be food for sale that will include turkey legs, “pig wings,” pulled pork, brats, bread-bowl soup, a variety of sandwiches, shaved ice, desserts, etc.  Beverages will include water, soda (regular and diet), and beer (ages 21+ with valid ID).  All vendors accept cash, and most accept credit.

 
The media, government leaders, and Roane Chamber members are invited to a private “After Hours” event on the festival site in the pub tent on Thursday, May 17, from 5:30-7:00pm.  Free entertainment, food, and beverages (including beer and wine) will be provided.  Please RSVP by calling Courtney Briley at 865-376-5572 ext. 205 or by registering on line at http://business.roanechamber.com/events/details/chamber-after-hours-hosted-by-tennessee-medieval-faire-baymont-inn-harriman-2773.

The public is invited to a free 1938 classic movie, The Adventures of Robin Hood, with famous swashbuckling actor Errol Flynn on Friday, May 19, at 7pm, at the Princess Theatre in Harriman (421 N Roane Street).  Costumed characters from the Tennessee Medieval Faire will be there from 6-7pm.

For Tennessee Medieval Faire fans who want to spend the night in Harriman, there are discounted rooms available with free breakfast at the Baymont Inn and Suites (promo code LKDE).  Please visit https://www.baymontharriman.com/tennesseemedievalfaire or call 865-882-5340.

The Tennessee Medieval Faire will be open rain or shine.  The dates are May 19-20, 26-27-28, June 2-3.  Hours are 10am-5pm ET.  Free field parking is provided.  The festival is located at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman, TN.  Ticket prices are $17 for ages 13+, $9 for ages 5 to 12; there will be free admission for ages 4 and under.  Tickets may be purchased on festival days at the ticket house for cash or credit.  Ticket prices include sales tax; however, a $2 convenience fee will be added per total transaction for credit usage.  There will be no ATM onsite, so patrons are encouraged to bring cash for purchases, tips, and convenience.

 
Because the Tennessee Medieval Faire is a PG outdoor themed festival, all costumes and behavior must be family-friendly.  Festival safety rules include no public intoxication, no outside food or drinks, no pets (service animals only), no firearms or sharp weapons (all stage weapons must be sheathed and zip tied).  There will be no onsite public camping, but camping and motels are available nearby. 

For more information, please visit www.TMFaire.com, like the Tennessee Medieval Faire on Facebook, or call 865-248-8414 or 865-376-0319.

Live the Age of Chivalry!

Entertainment Abounds at the 3rd Annual Tennessee Medieval Faire

The third annual Tennessee Medieval Faire invites you to travel back in time to the early Middle Ages in Briton. Meet King Arthur and his knights at this rugged outdoor festival, which runs the last three weekends in May including Memorial Day. The festival is located in Harriman near I-40 just 30 miles west of Turkey Creek. There will be plenty of family-friendly entertainment.

“Patrons tell us they like the quality of our entertainment and describe our festival as a small show with a big heart,” said Barrie Paulson, VP-Manager and Entertainment Director. “It is our goal to be a blessing in our community. We hope people will help us grow.”

Upon entering the village, patrons can enjoy continuous PG-rated entertainment on the eight acre site. Schedules will be available on the website and at the gate. The headliners will include “The Royal Joust,” performed by the Hanlon-Lees Action Theater, and “Warriors’ Chess Matches,” performed by the Royal Players street character ensemble. “Unicorn” and pony rides will also be available between shows in the arena.

Rotating onstage for select weekends will be professional stunt shows. These will include circus duo Tony Steinbach and Joli Heeg of “Up Down Go,” and Aaron Bonk with his “Fire-Whip-Sword Show.” Also, comedy sword-fighting trio, Deb Weathers, Thomas Crout and Noah Stout, will perform “In a Pickle.”

Rotating on other stages will be interactive comedy, puppet, and dance shows. These will include “Cosmo’s Fables, Fantasies, and Fortunes” by Charles Murray; “The Gwendolyn Show” by Nicole Skelly; “Punch and Judy Puppet Show” by Professor Brent DeWitt; “Shades of the East” Middle Eastern dance by Morwenna and Walid Assaf and company; and folk and fairy tales performed by the Royal Players ensemble.

On select days, numerous professional acts will perform live acoustic Celtic music and dance shows. These will include “Carolina Ceili,” three from “The Lost Boys,” “Boogertown Gap,” and “Lark in the Morn English Country Dancers.” Solo musicians will include bagpiper James Winslow, guitarist Mark Dudek as “Henry Culpeper,” guitarist Randy Walker, Celtic harpist Lisa Dunn, the Royal Players, and others.

Quality crafts, food and beverages, including beer will be available for purchase.

The 2017 Tennessee Medieval Faire will run for seven days on May 13-14, 20-21, 27-28-29. Hours are 10am-5pm ET. Tickets may be purchased at the gate with cash or credit card. Prices are $17 for ages 13 and up, $9 for ages 5 to 12, free for ages 4 and under. Free parking is included.

The permanent festival site is located at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman, TN. For more information, please visit www.TMFaire.com, sign up for their newsletter, like them on Facebook, follow #TMFAIRE, email TMFaire@comcast.net or call 865-248-8414.

Let’s Get Medieval!

The Tennessee Medieval Faire Memorial Day Weekend - 3 BIG DAYS!

Interview with Chad Wood

performing as King Arthur of Camelot

at the Tennessee Medieval Faire 2016

By Barrie Paulson, VP-Manager & Entertainment Director, Darkhorse Entertainment, LLC

(www.TMFaire.com, c: 865-466-1902, darkhorsellc@comcast.net)

“IT’S GOOD TO BE KING”

Q: What is the TN Medieval Festival like?

A:  If a patron walks through the gates, they enter a new world.  Characters take you to a distant time and place.  You see jousting, shows and entertainment wherever you go.  Master craftsmen showing off their wares….

Q: Since you live and perform in Knoxville, how would you explain to someone in Knoxville why they should go?

A:  It’s a good time.  It’s one of those experiences that you won’t know unless you go.  You have to come and see to appreciate what it really is.

Q:  Tell us a little more about yourself as an actor.

A:  I’ve been acting since I was able to walk.  I’m an adopted son of Knoxville and have been in the Knoxville theatre scene for a decade.

Q:  Can you tell us a little about the Knoxville theatre scene?

A:  Knoxville embraces its artists.  The theatre community is tight and small.  But I have never gone without a production to go to or a performance to be in.  That’s a wonderful thing about Knoxville.

Q:  How did you get the role of King Arthur?

A:  My good friend, Alex Riggs, told me there was an audition for King Arthur of Camelot for the Tennessee Medieval Faire.  I had also worked for the festival production company a few years ago, when they were doing props and sets.  I also have several years of stage combat experience, taught by Bob Borwick of the Society of American Fight Directors at Pellissippi State “the Success Connection.” (he sings).  I got to know the entertainment director, Barrie, from fight class.  She helped with the class and was there as a talent scout.  I auditioned and got the part.

Q:  What’s being the street character of King Arthur like?

A:  It’s a dream role for me.  I jumped at the chance.  It’s been a whirlwind experience and life-changing.

Q:  How has it been “life-changing”?

A:  I can see how one can become an actor and sell themselves.  To take a character from the stage to when you are interacting all day and not break character.

Q:  Compare it a little more to being a stage actor.

A:  It’s totally different than being on stage.  As a stage actor, when you go back stage, you are who you are and take a break.  As a street character, I find I’m staying in character on and off stage.  

Q: Yes, I heard you commanded the Producer/President to bow to you off stage.  You might not want to do that again.

A: Oh, yes, I did do that, didn’t I? (laughs)

Q: Do you feel this experience has made you a better actor?

A:  Yes, I feel I’m a better actor now.  Being a street character has freed me to improve my improv skills (not having everything scripted).  When someone asks me a question as King Arthur, I have to give them a response that they believe and that I believe.

Q:  Has it gotten easier to respond in character?

A:  Yes, we’ve had 4 shows days out of 7.  At first I had to think as my character.  Now I don’t have to think about it--I am the King.  And, it’s good to be the King.

Q:  What’s been your favorite thing about the Faire?

A:  My favorite thing about the Faire is seeing the light in the children’s eyes when they see me, as King Arthur, and Guinevere walking together.  Also the daily public Knighting Ceremony at 3:30.  These things spark the children’s’ imagination and interest.  It shows them that not everything is video games and movies, but reaching out and talking to the King and Queen as real people.

Q:  On Sunday, an actor had dragon puppet on strings and walked up to patrons and interacted with them.  A 2 or 3 year old girl bent down, petted and hugged it.  It was a beautiful moment.

A:   Yes, there are countless moments like this at the Faire.  Once the gate opens, Magic Happens!

Q:  How has attendance been so far?

A:  It’s been good but we hope to have a great final weekend because the show is really great.  We think the variable weather, other events, and bridgework between Kingston and Harriman has kept some away so far.  But, on the weekends, the bridgework is only a minor inconvenience and it is supposed to be finished this week.  We hope people will come and support the show, so it can continue.  I hear once these shows catch on, they really become popular.   

Q:  You have one more weekend?  Would you share some information?

A:  Yes, our last weekend is this Saturday through Monday of Memorial Day, May 28-29-30.  Hours 10a-5p ET.  Tickets are $16.95 ages 13+, $8.95 ages 5-12.  Free ages 4 and under, and free parking.  They accept cash/credit at the front ticket house.  The event is open rain or shine.  For your comfort and safety, dress for the outdoors and wear comfortable shoes, weapons must be sheathed and zip-tied, service animals only, no outside alcohol.  Site address is 550 Fiske Rd, Harriman, TN.  Website is www.TMFaire.com.  Office number is 865-248-8414.

Q:  Anyone you’d like to thank?

A:  Yes!  Specifically the jousters, the Hanlon-Lees Action Theatre, and all the premier stage entertainment.  They are showing us “locals” how it’s really done.  I’d also like to thank Lars and Barrie Paulson of Darkhorse Entertainment, LLC, for producing the show based on their life-time of entertainment experience.  Lars had a vision of creating a high quality interactive environment that is the TN Medieval Faire.    Many of us see that vision and are helping to make it a reality. 

“Camelot Lives!”  HUZZAH!  

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Tennessee Medieval Faire Has a Damp First Day - Sunday Promises "Fairer" Weather!

Yes, it was a touch damp Saturday, and I spent an hour under a huge cedar tree; snapping away at the jousting knights.  However, it was rewarding and held so much promise for the Sunday show, 2nd day of the Grand Opening, and the future of the faire site in general.

I'm sure Barrie and Lars Paulson were pleased to see so many interested enough to come out and brave the warm spring showers.  Actually, they felt quite good, and those indulging in their favorite libation, under trees and tents, probably didn't even notice.

There was music everywhere, dancing, the inviting smells of food cooking, and the "King and Queen" seemed to be everywhere.

All the friendly actors/characters, and incidentally, the actors are all characters, keeping humor in all the acts, with jokes directed at all age groups.  

The grounds did get a needed watering, and I noticed that there was straw and grass seed scattered about, so, the future will get greener, and more manicured.  

Tomorrow's show promises the "final course" rounds of the jousting match, and the singers, players, puppeteers, dancers, and jesters will all be back to entertain your whole family.

Here are a few (probably too many, but I wanted to give you a sense of the place) of the photos I made.  Yes, in some you can see tiny raindrops, but they failed to dampen anyone's spirit of the "faire"!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See, even the horses had fun!  

Come on out Sunday!