King Richards Faire

Carver, a beautiful sleepy little town, thirty minutes away. Over the ninety year old Bourne, spanning the Cape Cod Canal. Stunning views of Cape Cod Bay to the right and Mass. Maritime to the left. Head west up route 495  and pass by miles of cranberry bogs, no eye pollution and the massive nest of a lone Osprey just to the right a few miles out.

The day a bright blue. Cool September weather requiring a light jacket or sweater but not necessarily worn. One would not usually head for Carver since it is mainly a bedroom community and the business’ that are there just support the town. There is one time of year that brings this place to mind . The last weeks of September and the first weeks of October celebrate the opening of King Richards Faire.

This is a wonderful affair, held yearly, in a forest just south of Edaville Railroad. This is a Renaissance Faire and being held here, where there is no traffic to be heard and away from the hustle and bustle, one get’s the feel for the place and your mind can easily slip back in time for the afternoon. As you enter through massive wooden gates you enter a different time and place. Everyone is dressed in period garb and wandering about. Shops of old are scattered about selling magic spells and potions. Minstrels roam the paths between shops finding that one young woman about to be embarrassed as she is picked to be the object of a love song or poem. Of course at the full vocal range as he kneels in front of her holding her hand and for all passerby to observe. There is also the poor soul that must ask directions to the bathrooms. Little did they know the error of their way! They quickly are taken by the arm of these wandering villagers as they loudly announce ,  Privy Parade, Privy Parade. Stand aside , Privy Parade. You have never seen such red faces in your life. Of course all of this is taken in stride. I myself learned quickly to spot trouble coming my way and moved sideways .

There are shops to sell , blown glass remembrells, fabulous fairy creatures and such. Another shop for metal forgings of dragons , serpents Unicorns and so many other mythical creatures. Just there is one to get a flagon of ale and three pound turkey leg. The chance of finishing ,slighter with each bite.

We are soon called to the field of honor for the first bout of jousting this day.  The King and Queen have taken their thrones above the fray and rise to welcome all and commence the festivities. The King as rotund as could be all the while the Queen demure and subservient.  Of course the white knight seeks permission of the King to present his queen with his token of devotion and honor. All the while the black knight Sir Robert paces on his steed at the other end of the field. As he rides back and forth he prompts his devotees, thrusting his lance. Cheat to win is the cry from the faithful. The field set , the good at one end and the black at the other and they begin. Sturdy mounts adorned in colorful traces and fitted with the colors of their rider. Cheat to win can be heard in resounding tenor as they charge one another, lances lowered. Back and forth one point for the white , two for the black and on until the first round over and Robert ruled the victor, at least for now. It will be two hours before the final challenge.

Moving out  of the ring we pass by the sword and shield maker. Stocks of swords, armor and chain mail adorn the walls and children gleefully beg their parents for weapons . There are mauls , axes and all sort of battlement equipment. The plaintive pleas from the young boys could be heard for many yards. Of course the young girls opting for handmade dolls and stuffed animals much more in tune with their temperament not to mention so much less lethal!

There is a game of human chess in process with the pieces being moved by a very magical and bizarre looking furry creature. Mud wrestling taking much attention from passing visitors. Each lad bloviating about his skills and prowess. Seemed to me they were equal. Equally a mess, covered from head to toe in a thick coat of ever hardening mud. There is the village story teller holding court to a large group of young children. They are wide eyed and enthralled with each and every word. It was a sight to be remembered.

I would like to tell you the outcome of the jousting but you will just have to visit for yourself . Take that ride over that bridge and down the highway past all the nature to arrive in time to shout , Cheat To Win! Or maybe not.

I hope you enjoyed the ride.

Author's Note

A once a year event and worth the visit

Reviews

[Dye]

What a fantastic glimpse of King Richards Faire. I've been here plenty of times and your story brought me right back, I could feel the atmosphere reading this. Great job and thanks for bringing me back there. :)

[David]

Why thank you so. I did not expect any local reaction but is well appreciated! It is also a wonderful way to spend a Saturday. Again thanks so much

[Dye]

You are most welcome. I think it paints a great picture. For anyone that hasn't been there, this story will take them.