Medieval Festival this weekend
BY MOLLIE S. WATERS
The Greenville Standard 
“Hear ye! Hear ye! To all in the land, the Alabama Medieval Fantasy Festival (ALMFF) returns this weekend!” Now in its third year, the ALMFF continues to grow and excite, and this year, the festival will be larger and longer than ever before. The festival will be open for merriment from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This year’s festival will see many firsts. “This year we have expanded our educational section,” said ALMFF Director Nancy Johnson Ardoin, who added they will be including more educational offerings that comply with the program known as Historical Education and Reenactment of Alabama, or H.E.R.A. for short. “We are so lucky to have Tracy Alan and Janet Wright who come to us from the Renaissance Living History Center,” stated Ardoin. “We have also added The Tapeworm Project and Viking Bard along with the Normans of the Southern Sun and The Fairy Potter to the HERA section of the faire.” The festival has also grown in its number of vendors, too. “We have over 65 vendors so far this year,” said Ardoin, “and we have added more entertainment, music and food.” One of the most exciting new additions deals with the animals on site. “Lady Liberty, an American eagle, is working to get ready for her national debut at our faire,” said Ardoin. Returning will be the petting zoo, the unicorn, and the birds of prey. The ALMFF will have more games, including Bow Blast from Kansas City, and more entertainment, too. “We have added a Viking bard and storyteller,” said Ardoin. “Chaste Treasure will be returning along with Kracker Dan and Haggis Rampant with their bagpipes.” Other returning favorites include Frosty Locks and Splinter, Friar Finnegan, and Blue Moon Circus. Magic acts and acting troupes will be on location as well. “Commedia del Arte Mobile will be performing Saturday and Sunday,” stated Adroin who added that this troupe will be performing “The Lady and the Dragon.” Attendees should also be on the lookout for sword dancers, jousting troops, a pirate crew, and authors for book signings. Patrons will have opportunities to learn medieval dance techniques, partake of a fairy tea, and be in a maypole dance. Truly, there is something for everyone at this year’s event! ALMFF is located at 4776 Fort Dale Road. Tickets are $10 per day, per person. Children 5-13 are a discounted $5. Children under five are always free. For more information, visit the ALMFF website at almff.com
