Camelot Days Medieval Festival in Hollywood
From David Volz
The Camelot Days Festival began on November 5 at TY Park in Hollywood. Those who came could enjoy a fun day of shows and activities with a late medieval flavor. There were plenty of shows that included comedy and music. There were also demonstrations on medieval weaponry and the lives of pirates.
Bradley Gerber, who leads Camelot Days was pleased with the turnout and the enthusiasm of the participants. There are about 77 shows each weekend. “This is a family oriented presentation. It is a little smaller and more intimate than some of the larger Renaissance Festivals.
There was a large presentation on the lives of pirates. Captain Harpoon said, “Life for a real pirate was hard and brutal. We have an encampment where people can see how what life as a pirate was like,” he said.
Javier Alvarez, a member of the Royal Chessmen was part of a performance showing how people lived in the late medieval times. They gave a performance known as a combat living chess game. The Royal Chessmen perform in various Renaissance Festivals and corporate events. “I love being a part of it and we have a good time,” he said.
Members of the History of Chivalry participated in fights to the draw. They were dressed in full armor and fought with swords until one person was too tired to continue. No one really gets hurt but the competitions are strenuous.
There were performances from the Lotus Belly Dancers, Nature of Mercy, 3 Pints Gone and acrobats. There was also a parade. There was a presentation on the development of guns and cannons. There really is something for everyone and many families came to enjoy the event. Also, people dress as medieval characters. If you can, you can dress as a Pope, a king, a queen, a knight, or a peasant or anything you have every wanted to be. Camelot Days will run for the next two weekends at TY Park.
