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Medieval Fantasy Festival
April 17 - 18, 2009 - Downtown Vacaville
History of the Medieval Fantasy Festival In Downtown Vacaville
The first Festival was in Downtown Vacaville, CA on April 7-10, 2005. It was begun to celebrate the author whose work inspired a whole genre of fantasy and the trilogy of films by Peter Jackson. Peter Jackson brought them to life in a way that touched our lives. The second Festival expanded in size and quality upon the work done the first year. This Festival was held on April 21-23, 2006. The date was moved with purpose to Earth Day weekend and incorporated an area of Green, Eco-Friendly Vendors. This portion was consistent with the celebrated fantasy author’s vision.
The name of the Festival was changed for the 2007 Festival to Medieval Fantasy Festival, subtitled An Earth Day Faire with a Celtic Flair. We have kept the same vendor base with its wonderful craftspeople from the Renaissance Fair and Celtic Fair traditions, and vendors whose merchandise celebrates the world of fantasy. The music appropriate to the first two festivals with a Celtic, Scandinavian, and Renaissance sound has been kept.
There has always been a thoughtful aspect to the festival with forums and workshops. In 2007 we had two special guests. Matthew Dickerson, author of Following Gandalf, and co-author of From Homer to Harry Potter, and Ents, Elves, Eriador and the Environmental Vision of J.R.R. Tolkien, led the forums on fantasy authors. Joseph Cornell, author of Sharing Nature with Children, inspired those attending his workshop to a greater appreciation of nature.
In 2008 Carlene Cordova, Director and Co-writer of the documentary, “Ringers, Lord of the Fans” screened the film. She was joined by John Welch, Co-editor and Post-Production Coordinator. Following the screening, Carlene and John led a discussion of their work and the Ringers phenomena.
The new festival name allowed us more freedom with the choice of décor, authors to celebrate, and characters to choose to bring the festival to life. If you wish to come as a character from Narnia, Spiderwick, or your favorite trilogy, you are welcome.
In 2008 The Ratapult made its debut. Folkmanis puppet rats were decked out with very creative costumes. First they were shown off in the Pied Piper Parade, then competed in a costume contest. Excitement built as they were launched from a trebuchet. The winning rat flew 158 feet and in good Medieval style, boasted a suit of chainmail. One of the most memorable ‘wardrobe malfunctions’ was credited to Princess Rodencia Oceania, a rat mermaid. With her tail caught in the trebuchet, she flew sans clothing!
2010 Thank You, Volunteers and Sponsors
Without your help the 2010 Festival would not have been possible. If we have missed any names, please let us know so that they can be added.
Thank you.
Sponsors
Downtown Vacaville Business Improvement District
Brian Irwin, YourSiteHosted.com
The Reporter
Markstein Beverage Co.
Genentech
Solano County Library, Town Square
Recology Solano
Friends of the Festival
Bella Terra
Brenden Theatre
Cris Rooms, Chain Mail, Shield
Clipper Cargo Antiques & Jewelry
Costumes by Shirley
Daily Republic
Fuso
Gold’s Gym
Graphic Expressions
Jelly Belly
Laura Napier
Live Music
Mary Cornelison Photography
Mary’s Pizza Shack
M S Moms
Ray’s Cycle
Rock & Roll Sushi
Rubio’s
Scandia
Sean DeGeorge & Sir Mouse-kot
Vacaville Chamber of Commerce
Vacaville Ice Skating Center
The Committee - Faithful Workers with Vision, Creativity, and Perseverance
Shirley McGowan, (Medieval Step Momma)
Betty Lucke
Bev Morlock
Bob Vollmer, (Downtown Bob)
Brian Irwin
Chris Rooms
Deborah Furlow
Ellen Simonin
Judy St. George
Kate Hitchcock
Kevin Tolley
Laura Napier
Martha Ann Williamson
Mary Muehlenbruch
Vann Dyke
Activity Leaders
Ratapult
Vann Dyke
Deborah Furlow
Bev Morlock
Rex Adams
Tim Carson
David Wall
Mark Reed
Costume Contest
Mara Truly
Shirley McGowan
Forum,
Kevin Tolley
Town Square Entertainment
Downtown Bob
Design – Poster, Postcard, T-Shirt,
Betty Lucke
Brian Irwin
Kevin Tolley
Laura Napier
Mary Cornelison
Vendor Coordinator
Judy St. George
Logistics / Gophers
Mark Stevenson
Mike McGowan
Kids’ Games
Bailey Vasquez
Kelsey Lee
Water Wagon
Kate Hitchcock
Ellen Simonin
Deni Harding
Betty Lucke
Rick Lucke
Demonstrators of Old Time Skills
Demented Armory, Chain Mail
Guilds
Thistle House Actors Guild
Danse Macabre
Dixon Scottish Cultural Association
Friends of Faire
Entertainers
Avalon Rising
Captain Jack Spareribs – Ace Miles
Danse Macabre
Downtown Bob
Twisted Tree
Maggie McKaig, Storm Session
Plaster Katz
Rats in the Haggis
Shades of Green
Sirens In Sanity
Sultan’s Treasure
Tiffany Turner
Tip Hat Shows
Volunteers
Allen Rodda
Alice Stewart
Betty Lucke
Bev Morlock
Bonnie Rodda
Brent Posey
Brian Irwin
Brianne Tengwall
Carl Lundsted
Carlos Trevino
Cathy Whedbee
Charlie Wade
Cris Rooms
Cindy Anderson
CJ & Riley
Colleen Wade
David Wall
Deborah Furlow
Deni Harding
Ellen (LJ)
Ellen Simonin
Emily Bouchard
Ginger Norman
James (JT)
Jonathan Jones
Judy St. George
Julie McPherson
Kate Hitchcock
Kevin Tolley
Kim & Courtney
Kris Morris
Kathleen Clark
Linda Jones
Lorna Reed
Margie Vasconselos
Mark Reed
Martha Ann Williamson
Marty Smith
Mike McGowan
Nate Pryer
Norm Jones
Pat Sheehan
Ralph Muelhenbruch
Rick Lucke
Rick Whedbee
Sabrina Mendez
Sara Vollmer
Ted Velasquez
Terry Rogers
Tim Carson
Todd Rewick
Vann Dyke
And Last, but not Least,
The Clean Up Crew
Mark Stevenson
Bob Vollmer
Shirley McGowan
Mike McGowan
Judy St. George
Mark St. George
Zac St. George
Pat Sheehan
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