Battle of Knits

Hoggetown Medieval Faire 2010

We visited the Hoggetown Medieval Faire yesterday and had a wonderful time as a family. It was also Josh’s birthday.I was quite surprised that he wanted to go.

When we arrived there was no parking available at the fair grounds so we had to park about a mile away and take a bus. Our son had been napping in the car and seemed a bit confused by this. Finally we arrived and the first thing we saw was a friendly brown goat. He was pretty young, but really sweet. Josh Jr. was extremely shy about petting him, but him then ran back to me to hide his face. Then we walked through the crowd. Friday’s rain must have forced everyone to go on Saturday, so we walked slowly through the crowds, stopping to see the elephant, camels, horses and ponies.  We were starving upon arrival, anticipating the highly addictive and artery clogging “fair” food. I had my heart set on the few gluten-free items I enjoy… Turkey legs and french fries… Oh yummy! Since I was carrying our kiddo we stopped for Josh to get food first, he had some buffalo shrimp and french fries, then we got in the line for my barbaric turkey leg. Kiddo was devouring french fries and they were gone by time I got my turkey leg goodness… so the boy and I sat down to eat while Josh went for more french fries. Josh Jr. loved the turkey which amazed me. He kept insisting that he could bite it himself. Josh returned with some fries and a pretzel, so the boys munched on both.

Baby's first Turkey Leg <3

After satisfying our fair food desires, we decided to wander and take in the atmosphere as well as track down the two beer tents. Josh Jr. was just in awe and so excited over everything, he loved it. We found a beer tent and Josh had a Copperhead Ale from Swamphead Brewery and I decided to try the Mead wine again. I have had it before but was not very impressed. Well, this time I was equally unimpressed but it seemed much more drinkable to me. It was sweet like a Riesling, but not as sweet as I remember. I think the gluten-free life is wreaking havoc on my palette. (I am just happy that I could have a good time in a medieval faire environment without spending half the day starving and complaining– or eating something that I know will make me sick.) We sat there on the hay bales enjoying the nice weather and watching the folks in costume. Our favorite was the 4-5 frat boys in big giant fluffy pink pig costumes. Very much out of place, but quite popular among the crowd. I only wish I had gotten a picture.

Dancing at the Faire

Watching the dancers in awe.

We found out that the other beer tent was on the other side so we meandered that way, this time letting the kiddo walk. He does pretty well. He was having a blast since I gave him my empty mead cup… it was about 2 inches tall so he was in heaven. He loves anything small like that. So he was clutching his cup, screaming “YAAAAH” all the way. He is pretty amusing. We made it to the 2nd beer tent. I walked up with kiddo and ordered another Mead wine “shot” (since it cant be more than 2 oz) and the man joked about “Anything for you, Sir?”  to my son, and I told him how much he loves the little cups. The man handed us a fresh one and he said”Must be luck, I just dropped this one.” So I had a super happy child, with TWO cups. We sat down again and he just ran around us in circles cheering and holding his cups up. When we were finished, we decided to call it a day, since even though it felt like we didnt do very much we had spent big bucks and it had been nearly 3 hours. So we wandered back towards the front– much easier this time since most of the crowd had gone home. We got to the middle area and the little parade/dancing thing they do started. May pole, big puppet-things on stilts, music, belts made from bells, dancing-dancing-and-more-dancing! My son was in heaven and if it had not conjoured up another big crowd I would have let him dance it up so I could take some pics, but I was afraid he might get crushed. After the dance-fest we kept on the path out and decided to buy him a wooden sword on the way out. For $6 it is solid wood and he loved it. He has not yet beaten the dog or broken the television so I dont regret getting it for him yet.

24th Annual Hoggetown Medieval Faire (2010)

All in all, what a great day. Josh and I got along and the kiddo was in a wonderful mood. I love that he is finally getting to the age where going to events is actually fun (as long as they do not involve sitting) and we all have a good time. Now I am looking forward to going to some outdoor concerts this spring and summer if the University has any.

Today? Today Hank’s is the plan and I have now taken over groceries as my personal mission, since the boy has no desire to sit in a cart for longer than 10 mins. I am looking forward to having a nice leisurely day and ending it with the Super Bowl… I am a little disappointed that kick-off is at 6:30, I would have preferred 7:30 or 8pm. How can I enjoy a football game when I am bathing my kid, wrestling to get PJs on him and reading  Goodnight Moon? Jeez NFL, Thanks a lot. Thankfully I dont care for either team and the half-time show seems positively ridiculous. I dont even people who liked The Who are looking forward to it. I was hoping for Lady Gaga or something interesting– but thanks to Janet Jackson we are doomed to having “nursing-home” style half time shows forever. GAG. I do not even think seeing her boob was worth it. So, I guess I will halfheartedly be watching the game, cheering for the Saints, since they are the under-dog and gorging on wings during the half-time show, perhaps I will flip it over the the puppy-bowl.   At least I am positive that I will get some knitting done.