The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire is returning to Gainesville for its annual celebration of history and fantasy.
The Faire, which will host eight stages of entertainment and more than 160 artisans, will run this weekend and next at the Alachua County Fairgrounds.
The medieval faire was started by the Society for Creative Anachronism 28 years ago, said Linda Piper, Gainesville events coordinator.
“Orlando has Disney, and Gainesville has Hoggetowne,” she said.
One of the main attractions will be the jousting match put on by the New Riders of the Golden Age.
“If people appreciate watching horses,” said Kelly Eiley, director of the New Riders, “they will definitely get a kick out of coming out.”
The audience is usually a mixed group of all ages.
Although Charlene Ochogo, a 21-year-old UF telecommunication senior, said she prefers not to go in costume or adopt an accent, she’s attended the festival for four years. She said she enjoys the food and the fantastical atmosphere.
“I feel like in college, everyone’s telling you to grow up, and the medieval fair is kind of to rebel against that,” Ochogo said. “Under normal circumstances, people would think it was super weird — but you can kind of just go and not have to worry what anyone thinks.”
The Faire will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays. Admission is $15 for adults, $7 for children and free for kids under 5. Tickets will be half-price Jan. 31.
[A version of this story ran on page 3 on 1/24/2014 under the headline "Come all ye olde, come to Hoggetowne Medieval fair"]
