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Life wasn’t always so convenient and easy going. What would you do without electricity? Plumbing? The Internet? For most it’s a scary thought; for those who grew up during the Middle Ages it was normal. And though things were different, life was still good and fun and worth celebrating. At the Fort Bragg Renaissance Faire, the public has a chance to get a peek at what life was like back then. The fair brings history to reality through reenactment, food, music and more. Don’t miss it  Sept. 12–13 at Smith Lake.  

This is the 5th Annual Renaissance Faire, and it looks to be a great time. Take the challenge, leave your digital devices at home and come enjoy a day much like a typical day in the 1500s. 

“The faire offers the opportunity to learn about history in a fun, family-friendly setting. A time to forget one’s worries and step into another time where things are more as they should be — filled with laughter, song and magic,” said Chris Pugh.

Renaissance Faires include a number of different activities that encourage performers, as well as participants, to interact with one another. Performers are dressed as if it is the 16th century and fair goers are encouraged to dress the same. 

Activities during the faire include: paragon jousting and swordsmanship classes, handcrafted clothing, candles and jewelry, hand-forged medieval cloak pins, ladles, cutlery sets, chainmail and fire pokers.

“Last year we added a great bouncy dragon, which was a delight for the children. This year there will also be a castle,” said Pugh.  

To reenact this age, the Medieval Fantasies Company travels across the state. 

“Handing out gifts to the children and meeting everyone coming to the faire, the knighting ceremony and the masquerade ball, are all great fun,” said Pugh.

Chris, Mia and the extended Pugh family conduct a number of medieval and renaissance-themed services and have done so since 2003. 

“We are indeed a family business. Our older daughters participate with us when they can. Our eldest is the fairy face painter! Our youngest still is at home and is very active in the company. It is a matter of heritage, I am Welsh and my lady is Swedish,” he said.

“I began my involvement in all things medieval at an early age and we began this company more than 12 years ago. We feel there is so much from this time period that is needed today. The concepts of chivalry and the importance of learning can be rediscovered in the Renaissance,” said Pugh.

The dark ages were an era of war and disease before the rebirth period. The Renaissance period brought forth more freedom to create art, practice religion, pursue science and indulge in music.

This year’s fair will be held at the Smith Lake Recreation Area on Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a masquerade ball from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. followed by the pub sing. Sept. 13. The fair runs from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and includes “Are You Smarter Than a Royal” from 4- 4:30 p.m. followed by the pub sing. Admission is $10 per carload.

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