Opening Weekend
Record
high temperatures tested the will of the Renaissance Spirit. Friendship
and liquid kept us on our feet, for the most part. Madame Ettiene des
Autels, Duchesse of Malicorne and Reginald, Lord Althrop presented to
the King and Queen a bevy of hand-raised white ducks to beautify the
façade of Lac D'Albright, in a pretty ceremony with roses. We lost the
services of good guard Stephen to an accidental misstep, but whose
injury will well heal. We enjoyed the debut of the Gypsy Encampment and
environs (Photo, Right), which included the services, wares and
mystique provided by our own Gypsy troupe, lead by Sorcha the Gypsy
Queen, plus feats of legerdemain, tarot and palm readers, henna
artists, angel-conduit messaging, and other other-worldly
entertainments and diversions. Plentiful "Huzzahs" for the hard work
expended for the enhancement and enjoyment of this new festival
creation!
We
also took occupancy of the Royal Court gazebo at the head of the lake,
merrily decorated in gold and purple, with grandiose thrones (Photo, Left: photo by George Laking AKA Ryleh the Wanderer),
it is a pretty sight to behold. This was the first occasion for all to
trot out their finery in its completeness. Literal months were spent in
acquisition, design, creation, accumulation, accessorizing, consulting
and primping to become the garbed peacocks that so enhance a
Renaissance Festival atmosphere. Another sign that we have come of age:
a music CD entitled "The Streets of Albright" was created by Drouis
John, a new cast member! The songs are delightful ("Huzzah-la-la-la-la,
on the streets of Albright!") and much effort went into the production
of the collection. Drouis went so far as to access a Romany dictionary
online so that he could compose a song in the Gypsy tongue. Hunter Bob
provided a savory venison stew which was much enjoyed and greatly
appreciated by many a-hungered from a full and dusty day!!!
"Royals were regal and peasants
were charming, Merchants were cheerful and gypsies disarming. We hoped
for some sunshine and got it in spades. Next weekend more patrons will
come out to play!"
Second Weekend
The
Gypsy camp did invite all and sundry to bring a bit of fodder and to
communally sup during the night of the Lunar Eclipse, (which
entertainment they are said to have conjured!) Ben of Flame performed a
manic and fiery dance to laud the moon's folly, and escaped unharmed,
receiving rounds of Huzzahs. Visit from the Ambassador of England,
Teddy the Bear (Photo, Above), during his tour of American
festivals. Late of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival, Teddy was
received by the King and Queen, was knighted, received a Knighthood
certificate, joined the Royal Procession through Albright in the care
of Sir Nicholas Lipscomb and Louis-Phillipe Richard de Paris … and was
photographed as evidence of his visit with His Majesty King James I,
VI. Proud hostess Gabby Chattemoore whisked him to her estate to create
a new ensemble for his onward journey. We welcomed back to our company
the Lady Elise, fresh from a tour of Baghdad, wearing a gold gown said
to be made of the material of curtains from Saddam's palace (Photo, Right: photo by George Laking AKA Ryleh the Wanderer). Plunder as plumage... Most excellent!
A"much anticipated" marriage was performed at the head of the lake, Royal Court site, officiated by King James (Photo, Left).
Lady Janice Chisholm and Lord Kenneth Buckman were joined in holy
matrimony with the noble assist of Sir Alexander and a Royal Guards
detail who lined their path to the altar, and presented a display of
swords arch for their return passage...suddenly barred, as the King
demanded another kiss be given the bride. The Groom did wisely accede,
and the newlyweds and their merry entourage did proceed to enjoy the
delights of Albright for the remainder of the day. Minstrel Drouis and
Gypsy Kristina did play most melodiously before, during and after the
ceremony in celebratory and inspirational style. A Salute to the good
ladies and lords of the Gate: GRAMERCY for keeping us safe with weapons
peace-tied; keeping us profitable with outside food and drink denied
entry; greeting one and all as the first one-on-one ambassador to
Albright; and for sending our new friends to home with a smile and
invitation to return. We see you seldom, but appreciate you none the
less!
Standard Disclaimer: This
webpage is strictly an *Unofficial* look at the Louisiana Renaissance
Festival held near Hammond, LA in the Parish of Tangipahoa. All
opinions expressed herein are strictly this author's own. Unless noted
otherwise, all photographs are copyright ©2003-2004 by Barbara Brown.