Pigeon Lake Medieval Madness 2025 will be held at the Lakedell Agricultural Complex in Westerose, Alta., July 26 and 27, and tickets are going fast.
"This is our second year. Last year was the first annual and we will continue to have it as an attraction every year," said Maryann Nomann, host and creator of the event, also known as 'Lady Amadaya.'
"It is a wonderful way to get out and experience something new and unique and we are thrilled to have such great community support."
While admission tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate, feast tickets are limited and must be purchased ahead of time.
Those who want to partake in the medieval feast should hurry, as over half have already been sold, said Nomann.
Some of the reenactment groups that will be featured at this year's event include Knygts Erraunt, Strathcona Warhorse, the Red Stags of Red Deer, Society of Tilt and Lance Cavalry (STALC),
Nomann said Knygts Erraunt are "the closet to authentic recreators of life as it was in the mid-1300s."
"These people are amazing and so incredibly interesting," said Nomann. "They make everything they have, wear, use, sleep in and write on - yes they even make their own paper. One member plants flax seeds, harvests it, and weaves the linen that she makes attire out of. Incredible!"
Strathcona Warhorse are a full contact steel fighting team from Sherwood Park.
"They attended the world championships in Mexico last year and one teammate took home the silver medal in the polearm class. They were in attendance last year. These battlers are amazing."
The Red Stags, who also attended last year, are a group From Red Deer who teach children how to 'Fight the Knight.' They give hands-on teaching and then the child gets to spar with a knight.
"It was also very popular last year."
The faire will again feature five accomplished blacksmiths from across the province, showcasing their skills on 'Forge Row.'
They give demonstrations, answer questions and create items for faire goers while they watch.
Last year, Smith's Mounted Medieval Clinics from Rimbey put on a workshop, showing off their different mounted at-arms skills. These performers are part of STALC, that are hosting the jousting tournament this year.
The artisan vendor market will feature over 50 unique artisans selling their handcrafted works.
"there was and will not be any manufactured or multilevel marketing vendors at this event," said Nomann.
"We honour those that actually create everything they sell."
There will also be costume contests for men, women and children both days with the winners chosen by the crowd. A king and queen will also be crowned at the Medieval Feast Saturday evening.
"This year we are adding a pillory (stocks) where people can get their pictures taken while they are put in the device," she said.
"We also have added a trebuchet, very much like a catapult, and there will be contests to see who can launch something the farthest."
There will also be a unicorn that people can have their pictures taken with.
A professional photographer will take pictures of everything for a commemorative calendar.
"Also this year, we are thrilled to be hosting for the first time ever throughout central and northern Alberta, an International Jousting Tournament with riders coming from Europe to participate. This will be a history making event!"
Nomann said medieval faires are for everyone.
"(It) shows the faire goers what life was like back in those eras, how they worked, played, ate etcetera, with fun thrown in," said Nomann, adding the music and dancing is enjoyed by all who attend.
"The wonderful thing about it is that it is a family event and all ages can participate and learn from it in a unique and creative way. It also Inspires people to different passions of their own," she said.
"Cosplay and LARP fans really love the chance to show off their costumes that are their hobbies and passions and get asked a lot of times to have pictures taken with them."
Nomann's favourite part of the medieval faire is dressing up, meeting people and "sharing the joy and newness of an adventure with them."
"Many people do not know what to expect as this movement is just getting a foothold here, whereas all over the world it has been huge for decades," she said.
"It absolutely is gaining a strong foothold here."
