Press Releases 2008

Fantasy Faire

CONTACT: Janet Peterson, Marketing and Public Relations Director

TEL: (856) 825-6800, Ext. 108

FAX: (856) 825-2410

E-MAIL: jpeterson@wheatonarts.org

wheatonarts and MYSTIC REALMS, LTD. present fantasy faire: a festival of medieval arts and folklife

Millville, NJ – Mystic Realms, Ltd., a theater company incorporated to organize events that create interactive drama through role-playing, will partner with WheatonArts and present its 6th Annual Fantasy Faire: A Festival of Medieval Arts and Folklife, June 7 -8. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

The event focuses on the general Medieval to Renaissance period, but Mystic Realms blends history with myths and legends of the time. Actors portray knights, maidens, nobles and peasants, as well as mythical characters from various cultures. Knights stand side-by-side with elves and traditional musicians play period instruments in front of fairies.

Mystic Realms has created a story about the “Kingdom of Wheaton” for the event. There are villains, heroes and a grand tournament. The “Kingdom of Wheaton” story scenes take place on the Tournament Field Stage. The schedule is:

■ Noon - Procession and Announcement of the Tournament

■ 1 p.m. - Suspicions Discussed and Denied

■ 2 p.m. - Procession and Introduction of the Champions

■ 3 p.m. - The Plot Is Revealed

■ 4 p.m. – Procession and Tournament

The Faire focuses on art and folklife in the Middle Ages. A wide variety of educational shows, performances and demonstrations are planned to entertain families. They include:

■   Music from local artists including Harpist David Bowden and Reona Kumagai as the Queen of the Fairies.

■   Wandering minstrels with traditional instruments and music.

■   Costumed characters portraying historical and mythical figures.

■   A traditional Maypole where visitors can participate to celebrate the coming of Spring.

■  Whip Show by Master Whip-Cracker Sean McGarry (whip cracking, single and double whip demonstrations with audience participation)

■ “Hofla” - Performers from many local dancing troupes will demonstrate various types of Middle-Eastern dancing and drumming techniques from the 1500s to 1700s. They will have a trading post around their stage.

■ Children Activities include Grimm Witches (the witches’ fairy tales are “reworked” so the witches succeed), Balloon Beasts (balloon animals) and Gypsy Crafts (coloring paper fairy wings, shields and swords, making bead necklaces and bracelets).

■ ARMA. The group is devoted to researching historical weapons. They will demonstrate

traditional sword techniques from books written in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

■ Demonstrations of Medieval Arms and Armor

■ Demonstrations of Weaving and Cloth Making

■ The Improvisation Acting Areas allow participants who are 14 years of age or older to become part of the show. In the Circle of Challenge participants become gladiators fighting fantasy beasts and monsters using padded weapons in a live-action role playing combat. The Interactive Adventure is a quest through the Faire to help save the Kingdom. Adventures are on a first-come, first served basis.

Visitors will pay a nominal fee for knife and ax throwing opportunity. Pirates will have games of skill designed for children (Discus Throw, Bomb Toss and Eye-in-the-Hole). The cost is one dollar for three throws. The games are set up in a way that children will win every time and receive a prize.

Merchants and vendors will offer jewelry, medieval and fantasy costumes, leather goods and psychic readings. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Visitors will receive a detailed program of activities both days. The Fantasy Faire is included in the price of admission to WheatonArts: Adults $10.00, Senior Adults $9.00 and Students $7.00. Children five and under are free.

For information about the event and WheatonArts, call 856-825-6800 or 800-998-4552, or visit www.wheatonarts.org.  For more information about Mystic Realms, Ltd., visit www.mysticrealms.com.

WheatonArts strives to ensure the accessibility of its exhibitions, events and programs to all persons with disabilities. Individuals needing special assistance or accommodations should provide notice at least two weeks in advance. Patrons with hearing and speech disabilities may contact WheatonArts through the New Jersey Relay Service (TRS) 800-852-7899 or by dialing 711.

Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. WheatonArts receives general operating support from the New Jersey Historical Commission, Division of Cultural Affairs in the New Jersey Department of State and is supported in part by the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.

###