Get your chivalry and fantasy on for this weekend’s festival

Chivalry. Fantasy. Fairies. Fun.

And much more.

That’s what’s in store this weekend as the third annual Yosemite Chivalry & Fantasy Festival takes place at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds.

“I felt like we needed to have something fun,” said Kimberly Vaughan, the organizer of the festival, which has grown steadily in its first two years.

The festival will be held this Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, with Saturday hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The extended hours on Saturday are for “Fairies After Dark,” an event for people 21 years and older that will include “Fairie-okie,” table games and music.

Admission for the festival is $25 in advance and $30 at the gate for each day. Kids are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Parking is $5 per day.

There will be all kinds of activities taking place, including jousting, royalty, knights and so much more.

Vaughan said the “mystique of the forest” is part of the reason she began the festival. Also, she wanted to bring something different to Mariposa.

She said there will be “tons of things for kids” during the festival. Part of that is “walking through history,” said Vaughan.

There will be live “battles,” she said, and demonstrations on how food was prepared in the days of chivalry.

“This is more than just dress up,” said Vaughan.

She also pointed out that back in those days, women played a key role in society.

“Women were the driving force behind art and culture,” said Vaughan.

The festival take a lot of people behind the scenes, said Vaughan.

“There is a small team of people who work with me,” she said.

This year, the Golden State Cultural Arts Foundation will be hosting the Saturday bar and proceeds will help go toward the many causes of that group.

So why should people come?

“Anyone who loves art, who loves culture and appreciates history,” said Vaughan are just some of the reasons. “This is a completely immersive experience. The people are part of the storytelling. I think that’s what makes this event so popular.”

Another interesting aspect of traveling back in time, she pointed out, is the lack of electronic devices and other forms of communications.

“It is humans talking to humans,” said Vaughan.

And there will be some non-humans on hand, as well, she said, with a falcon demonstration and people “will be able to hold a bird of prey.”

The first year of the festival, she said around 2,000 people attended. Last year, it was around 3,000. She hopes more will come this year.

“It is a different experience,” said Vaughan.

She had high praise for the Yosemite Mariposa Tourism Bureau, which she said is “supporting events” locally and helping promote this festival.

Another part of the festival takes place on Friday night when a scavenger hunt happens in downtown Mariposa.

Those who participate should go to the Twisted Cedar bar and get a map. From there, people are encouraged to go to various local businesses and get their maps punched.

The winner will receive a cruise excursion.

This is the “core message” from Vaughan: “This is not just a festival people walk through. It is an immersive kingdom filled with jousting, pirates, fairies, mermaids, music, comedy, live theatre, birds of prey, fantasy characters, local performers, visiting talent and hands-on experiences for families. Dressing up is encouraged and guests become part of the magic moment they arrive.”

Here are just some of the things taking place during the festival:

• The Joust — The Imperial Knights will bring live jousting to the arena with horses, pageantry and hands-on experiences for families.

• Royalty and knighthood — King James IV and his royal court will be onsite throughout the festival.

• Live battles and combat demonstrations — The festival will feature live battles and medieval combat demonstration with armored fighters, warriors, Vikings and guilds bringing fantasy to life.

• Archery — This adds another hands-on medieval element to the festival.

• Vikings and raiding — The Vikings will be creating excitement throughout the event, including raiding demonstrations and interactive moments that make the area feel unpredictable, lively and fun.

• Pirates — Ar-r-r-gh, matie! This group will bring mischief, adventure, seat shanties, humor, swashbuckling energy to the festival.

• Mermaids — These mythical sea creatures will be part of the magical experience, creating whimsical moments for children and guests who want to meet creatures from the deep.

• Fairy Village — This is a special area designed for children and families, filled with wonder, creativity and magical encounters.

• Tea parties with Miranda the Forest Fairy — Miranda will host tea parties that invite children into a gentle, magical world of imagination. The intent is for Fairy Village to feel like a storybook world.

• Fairies After Dark — This Saturday night 21 and over experience will see the transformation of the Fairy Village into a mysterious and enchanting realm for adults with music, fantasy atmosphere, magical costuming, drinks and evening revelry. Guests are encouraged to dress in their most mystical, mischievous or glamorous fantasy attire.

• Wicked Mead — Wicked Mead will be part of the tavern experience, bringing delicious mead and festive tavern energy to the event. It gives adults a place to gather, enjoy the atmosphere and feel like they have stepped into a medieval fantasy celebration.

• The Merry Wives of Windsor — The cast of Merry Wives of Windsor will be onsite with raucous songs, comedy, character interaction and lively entertainment. The performances bring humor, music and a bit of cheeky Renaissance energy to the festival.

• Gail Dreifus and Sea Shanties — Dreifus will be singing sea shanties, helping bring the pirate world to life through music.

• Merced Playhouse Junior Players — They will be performing short plays and original songs. This is a wonderful example of visiting youth talent being included in the festival and gives families a chance to see young performers shine.

• Local and visiting talent — This will include a mix of music, theatre, comedy, living history, fantasy characters and interactive entertainment. “It is a strong example of how Mariposa can host a regional cultural event that supports artists, families, tourism and community price,” said Vaughan.

• Gaelich Muse with Michael Mullens — This duo will bring Celtic-inspired music and storytelling energy to the festival.

• George the Giant — George makes his return as the larger-than-life character who brings humor, wonder and many photo opportunities.

• Jeff the Jester — He brings comedy, juggling, interaction and classic court-jester fun.

• 3 Falconers Birds of Prey Show — This group will present an educational and exciting birds of prey show featuring magnificent raptors such as haws, falcons and owls. Guests will learn about the birds, their hunting instincts, their role in nature and the ancient art of falconry. It is one of the most unique experiences at the festival.

Visit www.chivalryandfantasyfestival.com/ for more information and tickets for the event.