The Oklahoman

Pageantry returns at Norman’s annual Medieval Fair

- FROM STAFF REPORTS

NORMAN — More than 200 artisans will be at the 42nd Annual Medieval Fair at Reaves Park on Friday through Sunday in Norman.

A 14th-century kingdom comes to life each year at the Medieval Fair, as costumed citizens dressed as kings, queens, knights and fools take part in the immersive experience.

Held annually since 1977, this living history fair features educationa­l exhibits, arts, crafts, food, games, demonstrat­ions and ongoing entertainm­ent at seven stages, according to the Norman Visitors Bureau.

Food vendors at the Medieval Fair will offer foods including smoked turkey legs, roasted corn,

funnel cakes and handcrafte­d root beer.

One-of-a-kind wares include whimsical and fine art, jewelry, woodworkin­g, leather goods, swords and shields, pottery, stained glass and clothing.

The free fair is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

The fair began in 1977

as a forum for the English Department at the University of Oklahoma, which chose the month of April because it was close to Shakespear­e’s birthday.

The first fair was a small, one-day event on the campus’ South Oval. The public responded positively, so the fair was continued annually and has grown each year, changing locations from campus to the Duck Pond to its current site at Reaves Park.

For more informatio­n, a map of the fair grounds and a schedule of the entertainm­ent, go to medievalfa­ir. org.

The Medieval Fair of Norman has been selected by Events Media Network as one of the top 100 events in the nation.

It is made possible, in part, by the Norman Arts Council Hotel Tax Grant Program and the City of Norman.

 ?? [PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY, THE OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVES] ?? Chess pieces battle it out during the human chess match at last year’s Medieval Fair in Norman.
[PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY, THE OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVES] Chess pieces battle it out during the human chess match at last year’s Medieval Fair in Norman.

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