SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) took a trip back in time to the Middle Ages for the third annual Medieval Market and Faire. The U of S Bowl was transformed into a medieval town square on Saturday, complete with a combat ring, children jousting, dancers, musical performances and a market.
“We want to do historical reenactments as much as possible to get people interested in that sort of thing. I think there is always a love for our past, especially our distant past. This is an opportunity for people to come out and share in that,” said Tracene Harvey, the U of S museum of antiquities director.
The mission of the event is to create awareness of past cultures that still influence the word today, including Medieval European and Saskatchewan aboriginal cultures.
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“We have the involvement of the Saskatchewan archaeological society and what we’ve had them do is provide a snapshot of what people in Saskatchewan were doing at the time the Middle Ages was going on in Europe. We’re able to bring in aboriginal culture too, which we are very excited about because Saskatchewan was a very different place 1200 – 1300 A.D.,” says Harvey.
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Popular medieval television shows like HBO’s Game of Thrones are sparking popularity in events like this one. Organizers say it’s had a positive influence on the turnout and this year they’re hoping to have over 1,000 participants.
“Basically, we see it increase by several hundred people so it’s growing in interest and popularity,” says Harvey.
Those who came were excited and curious about the event. For many the combat ring was a clear favourite.
“It’s always the demos, watching people wail on each other with swords and armour, that’s always the best part,” said one of the participants, Lee Gilbert.
The Medieval Festival was a part of the city-wide celebration of “Culture Days” which continues until Sunday.
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