Renaissance Faire in Central Indiana

This weekend was the first of two weekends when several acres of the Johnson County Park, Nineveh, Indiana transformed into a setting right out of Renaissance Europe. Scores of tents, wagons and other structures have sprung up on the grassy fields.

Some of the vendor tents

The Indiana Renaissance Faire is one of several similar events during the year. With the same basic theme, vendors and entertainers from all over come to peddle their wares and entertain the crowds of all ages that enjoy these Faires.

Vendor “wagon” plus tent

Watch out for the pirates (but buy their mead)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anything and everything you would need to dress in period costume is available at the vendor displays in the tents. Musical instruments, belts, bags, tunics, even correct footware.

Every faire needs a dragon

Yes that is a real sword shop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And speaking of costumes, it seemed like more than half of the people in attendance were is some kind of costuming. We saw elves, wizards, fairies, warlocks, pirates, knights, tradesmen and many others.

Knight at the ready

Lance ready for the joust

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment was everywhere. We got there in time to catch the 12 noon Jousting demonstration. Two knights in armor on horse back showed their skill in the use of the long joust. Foot soldiers in support of the knights demonstrated small arm weaponry.

Holding RedTail Hawk

Two birds waiting their turn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another unique and fascinating offering presentation was by a chap who brought hawks and falcons to show and explain. A most fascinating  demonstration.

The Renaissance Faire will be open next weekend, June 20 – 21st for two more days of revelry, music, food and fun. Huzzah!

 

Thrilling bald eagle sighting

Today we were out for a drive, and upon returning to our neighborhood a large soaring bird came into view. It did not take long for us to recognize that our visitor was a bald eagle.

The bald eagle has been the national emblem of the United States since 1782, no thanks to Ben Franklin. (Remember the turkey thing?) It has been one of the most powerful spiritual symbols for Native Americans for as long as most can remember.

A thrilling sighting of our nation’s symbol

On my walk  a very nice fellow on a bicycle pointed out a bald eagle on a dead snag several hundred feet away.  What a thrill it was to see a bald eagle, which is not at all a common sight in our area. This magnificent bird was in a tree overlooking a river with farm fields on the other side. Best photo I could get on the iPhone.

Get outside, you never know what you might see! Just do it safely!

Two hawks on today’s walk


I had just started on my morning walk today when some movement in the sky caught my attention.

I expected to see turkey vultures but much to my delight there were two hawks enjoying flying together, circling and enjoying each other’s company. The photo is not the best, but I guess reasonable for an iPhone shot of hawks at least 100 yards up. Spotting birds of prey always make my day!