Medieval festival a celebration of Shakespeare and swordsplay

Friday, Oct. 10, 2003 | 4:26 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION: Oct. 11, 2003

Celtic music, chain mail and theatrics are expected to be among the highlights of this year's Renaissance Festival, which continues today and Sunday at Sunset Park.

The festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary, will feature battle re-enactments of black powder, gladiators in combat, full-contact jousting and Japanese archery.

Entertainment includes Celtic music by Idlewild, Siler & Clark Band, rock groups Tempest and Wild Celts and bag pipe ensemble Kinship.

Theater attractions include Shakespearean scenes, dancing, stilt performers, Middle Eastern dancers, a fairy-tale show, Renaissance variety acts, a contortionist, equestrian games and a sheep-herding demonstration.

Visitors also will be able to take camel rides, see a mechanical dragon and see the workshop of a medieval barber and surgeon.

Strolling performers will include a classical harpist, a juggler and comedian, a stilt performer, a human statue and moving Shakespearean theater.

A Royal Parade of Guilds will be held today and Sunday about 11 a.m.

More than 200 artisans and craftsmen from throughout the United States and Canada will have booths to work and sell their wares. They include gold- and silversmiths, blacksmiths, designers of stained glass, costume makers, woodworkers, toymakers, leather workers, perfume blenders, potters, weapons makers, stone carvers and others.

Period food also will be for sale: turkey legs, shepherd's pies, even a full English feast.

Admission today and Sunday is $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and children ages 5 to 12. A pass for both days is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children.

Parking is free and available in several lots throughout the park, which is run by Clark County. Handicapped parking is off Sunset Road between the tennis courts.

Food, drinks, coolers, pets, high-back chairs, audio and video recorders, bikes, skateboards, in-line skates, canopies and umbrellas will be allowed into the festival. Even broadswords and other period weapons are OK, as long as they are sheathed and peace-tied. One bottle of water will be allowed in per person.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.