Ye Merrie Sudo Faire

Walks have always been a part of our family life. And walking in any of the area parks always gives us interesting things to see. It keeps us motivated to get our exercise! You never know what you'll see! Recently we discovered a merry group of people at the park. It was late in the day and the sign said "ticket office closed --- please enter and enjoy". So we thought "why not" and headed through the cardboard castle that doubled as a gated entry. We were barely inside when we met a gentleman going out who saw Sudo and started asking a dozen questions. We discovered that we were in the company of a star!

Road signs led us through the encampment. Ye Merrie Faire was full of all sorts of unusual and interesting things. There were booths for vendors, open air theaters, and musical groups. One gentleman called me "my lady" and it made me smile. So quaint.

I enjoyed observing the children. They were having such a fun time and most were dressed in colorful outfits or fairy wings.

We, along with Sudo, discovered that there were other dogs in attendance and they were held in high esteem. The lady in blue smiled for a picture. Her dog was dressed in matching fairy wings! And ye lady of the Scentsy booth was happy to see the gentleman and two little dogs who came to visit her.

Colorful ribbons were beautiful. They were displayed outside a booth. They wafted gently in the breeze and the beads on the headpieces sparkled in the sunshine.

Sudo, ever gentle, allowed people to pet her. Some wanted to hold her, but we respected her right to feel secure and politely said no, and said she doesn't want to be passed around. They seemed to understand. She was a great conversation starter. We talked to all sorts of people whom generally would just walk right on by.

Of course some of the things at Ye Merrie Faire were scary to Sudo. A boy holding axes and shouting at the top of his lungs was not something Sudo enjoyed. She shivered and moved closer.

Clank. Clang. Jousting. Noise! Action! Cheers. Armor protected. Someone down. Then kind assistance to the one down and it was another pairs turn to get into action. Sudo was not sure about all the noise!

Horses, so well trained, patiently waited for the command of their riders. When called upon they'd run down the field and their rider would strike a metal shield with a lance. Again, more cheering.

It was enough to make a little greyhound shiver in her boots!

The costumes and outfits were a sight to behold. Everyone seemed to be having an excellent time as they pretended to be from a bygone era. I overheard one lady telling some gentlemen seated nearby that most of her friends would state their occupation as working as a barista or clerk, but when she's asked, she always says she is a fairy princess. She was an interesting princess though. Her gown was long and flowing, but it was a warm day, so it was hiked up above her knees. Sneakers were on her feet.  A burning cigarette dangled from her fingers. But her fairy wings were in place.

A beautiful girl in a lovely gown posed on the riverbank while her mother took pictures. She looked so sweet.

And these two young ladies fell in love with Sudo, calling her one of the cutest dogs they'd ever seen. We chatted awhile and when it was time to move along on our walk, they told us that they were stationed at that point on the pathway because the archery competition was ahead and we should not pass by any further for our own safety. Their task was to turn people back to go the other way. So we turned around, passing the fairy princess one more time.

Their were actors in their fabulous costumes. They took their roles very seriously.

And a medieval choir sang so professionaly. They were singing Celtic folk songs in beautiful harmony.

Belly dancers put on a show for those who came to watch. They enjoyed a conversation together afterwards.

And young people with their gothic attire seemed to be relaxed and happy to find a place where they could dress up and have their appearance so well received.

Someone said that we needed to stick around for a few more minutes because the Queen would be coming by with her entourage in a few minutes. The Queen's Parade would end the festivities for the day. Soon two girls led the way {can you see the antler crown?}.

And there she was -- the Queen of Ye Merrie Faire -- Queen Elizabeth the First. Flutes and recorders were played liltingly to draw attention to the parade. Singers sang in harmony as they escorted the queen through the faire. Can you see the queen waving in her golden gown? I was told that she made the gown herself and that all the beautiful embroidery on the front of the gown was stitched by her. You can see a portion of it on black velvet in the picture. It was exquisite and in the style of crewel.

An hour spent walking in the park turned into an interesting experience. Sudo was a charming ice breaker for us. It was fun visiting with people along the way. As we headed back to the car the crowd thinned and as Sudo noted that there weren't quite so many people and loud, noisy things going on, she was happy to walk. A simple walk turned into quite an adventure. I wonder --- if I should make Sudo some fairy wings?