In 2002, the storyline at Excalibur revolved around King Arthur's impending marriage to the lovely Guenevere and the machinations of Morgan LeFey and her son, Mordred. This year, the saga of Arthur continued, as the 2003 program guide explained:

"Sommerset Village is astir with the arrival of King Arthur, Merlin, and the valiant Knights of the Round Table. These noble warriors seek respite after a long campaign against petty robber-kings who seek to usurp King Arthur's power. They have decided to ease their cares by partaking of Sommerset's Spring Festival, at which the Druid Priestess Viviane will be blessing the season's crops. Queen Guenevere and her ladies, hearing of the return of Arthur and his Knights, have made haste to meet them at the Festival (Photo, Left: a portrait of King Arthur -- as played by Paul Clontz -- and Queen Guenevere -- as played by Kim Pruitt -- taken together at the Excalibur Fantasy Faire in 2003. Photo, below: Queen Guenevere with one of the Knights of the Round Table and a lady-in-waiting at King Arthur's Court.).




"But all is not well in the Kingdom. Although Arthur and his Knights have for a fleeting time rekindled past glories in battle, trouble is afoot. The sorceress Lady Annowre is intent upon stirring trouble, spreading rumors and sowing the seeds of discontent. The brothers Sir Gawaine and Sir Aggravaine quarrel over the disposition of their father's lands, and scandalous gossip is furtively whispered about the Queen and her champion, Sir Lancelot. And just when it seems as if the situation could not possibly grow more unsettling, Morgan LeFey, Arthurs's half-sister, arrives with a rather unsavory entourage consisting of mercenary Knights (among them, Sir Turquine, who seeks vengance from Sir Lancelot for the death of his brother), various...un-natural...creatures, and a mysterious young man: Morgan's son, Mordred (Photo, Below: Mordred at right, as played by David Baxter, addresses King Arthur and his Court, while Morgan LeFey -- Nina Burks -- and her, um, "champion," Augh the Ogre -- David Sweeten -- look on).












"None can deny Mordred's kinship to Arthur, but just how close is that kinship? And what does young Mordred seek from his...Sire?"

As usual, there were plenty of plot complications -- and LOTS of photo opportunities! -- along the way before those questions were answered! Even better, several playtrons of my acquaint -- including my friend, Regina -- worked up small improv bits, adding considerably more color as the storyline unfolded (Photo, below: Shakiya, left, a bad Faerie played by Regina's friend, Kenra Gross (AKA Ember the Fire Fairy at TRF); pursues Aviana the White Faerie in an attempt to bring her over to the Dark Side. Aviana was subdued, but only temporarily. Using Faerie Magick, she eventually slipped away, unnoticed, to freedom!).

Overall, I was greatly impressed by Excalibur2003: it might be a "small" faire by Texas standards, but it certainly can offer a lot of variety and entertainment to the weekend visitor. Myself, I came away with nearly 600 images from Excalibur alone -- player and playtron portraits, entertainers, festival events, storyline and more! Not bad at all for a "small" faire with just a four-week "Season"!! HUZZAH!!!

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Standard Disclaimer: This webpage is strictly an *Unofficial* look at the Excalibur Renaissance Festival held near Bastrop, TX. The author of these pages is in no way, shape, manner or form connected with the Excalibur Renaissance Festival (OFFICE ADDRESS: 1007 Main St., Suite E, Bastrop, TX 78602) and/or any of the sponsors associated with this event. All opinions expressed are strictly this author's own. Unless noted otherwise, all photographs are copyright ©2000-2004 by George Laking.

This page created 3 March 2004