Ursulmas Medieval Fair a cool blast from ancient past

Published 3:04 pm Thursday, January 28, 2010

Ready, set, joust!

The 29th Ursulmas Medieval Fair is set for this weekend at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe.

Knights, squires and other duelers in full costume will be ready to demonstrate medieval fighting techniques for spectators, and fairgoers can watch as artisans make glass beads, carve wood and dip candles by hand.

The youth activity schedule will allow children to try their hands — literally — at armored combat, as well as ancient types of games, including one called Kubb, which combines the skills used in lawn bowling and knocking down milk jugs.

Another option for kids will be a “Tea With the Queen” party, on Saturday afternoon.

One of the more eye-widening highlights, event steward Jade Broglio said, will come in the form of performance troupe Ignition, which will offer fire dances and fire-breathing acts at approximately 3 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.

The Society for Creative Anachronism, the group providing the show, “is an international organization dedicated to researching and recreating the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe,” Broglio said, “and this is the biggest demonstration of our talents and our knowledge in Western Washington.”

Tickets, available at the fairgrounds’ main admission gate, cost $13 for adults, $7 for ages 6 to 16 and are free for ages 5 and under. Find details at 425-343-6105 and the full schedule at www.aquaterra.antir.sca.org/ursulmas.

Andrea McInnis: amcinnis@heraldnet.com; 425-339-3479.