Darkhorse Entertainment, LLC, invites you to go back to the early Middle Ages (c. 500) and celebrate King Arthur and Camelot at the second annual Tennessee Medieval Faire, situated in Harriman just 30 miles west of Turkey Creek.  This rugged outdoor festival opens on May 14 and runs the last three weekends in May, including Memorial Day.

Leading the charge is The Royal Joust performed three times a day by the Hanlon-Lees Action Theatre.  There will also be sword fighting at the Warriors’ Chess Matches, performed twice daily.  Between arena shows, Unicorn and Warhorse Rides will be offered.

“Excitement is increasing because more people know about the Faire,” said Barrie Paulson, VP-Manager & Entertainment Director.  “People tell us they appreciate the quality of our show and want to see it grow.”

Rotating on three stages will be professional, interactive, family-friendly shows.  Acts returning this year include Aaron Bonk’s “ridiculously dangerous” Fire * Whip * Sword Show; The Jackdaws, previously named Banish Misfortune; Professor DeWitt’s Punch and Judy Puppet Show; Albi Belly Dance; and Aristotle Simplified, aka Einstein Simplified.  

New acts this year include Topsy Turvy, an acrobatic duo; Feckless Fear Dearg, a Kentucky Celtic band; Tom Smiter--Bizarre Feats of Rhythm and Melody; and Dendarah Middle Eastern Dance with Raks el Anwar.  There will be other musicians, interactive folk dancers, fairy tale shows and medieval games. The Royal Players, who roam the Faire and interact with patrons, include the characters of King Arthur, Queen Guinevere and Merlin.  Performance schedules will be posted on the festival website by May 11 and will be available at the Faire.    

The number of medieval village merchants has almost doubled this year and will include around 50 craft, food and beverage vendors.  Artisans will sell their handcrafted wares made of leather, wood, clay, metal, glass, cloth, etc.  Hungry patrons can enjoy delicious medieval fare including turkey legs, gyros, hearty soups, scotch eggs, dragon jerky, fresh fruits and desserts.  Hot and cold beverages including beer will also be available.

The Tennessee Medieval Faire will be open on May 14-15, 21-22, 28-29-30; rain or shine.  Hours are 10 am -5 pm EDT.  Ticket prices are $16.95 for ages 13 and up, $8.95 for ages 5 to 12, and will be free for ages 4 and under.  Parking is free, and tickets will be available for purchase at the gate with cash or credit.  Onsite camping for patrons is not included, but public campgrounds and hotels are nearby.  The festival is located at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman, TN.  For Faire rules, guidelines and more information, please visitwww.TMFaire.com and be sure and like them on Facebook and use #TMFaire or #TNMedievalFaire when posting.