Medieval times returning to Osoyoos

OSOYOOS – Medieval entertainment is returning to Osoyoos, joust in time for the May long weekend.

Osoyoos Faire will turn Desert Park Racetrack into a bustling Medieval Faire on Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20 this year with the return of live jousting events and more.

The popular jousting event is a step back in time for attendees as they cheer on competing knights to victory, watch Old World games and sample food feastings fit for a king.

Organizer Bobbie Fischer says the event is growing in popularity, with 2,000 expected to turn out for this year’s third event, up from 1,200 two years ago.

She says Osoyoos resident Paddy Head came up with the idea for a medieval festival, after participating in the first medieval event on the Lower Mainland several years ago and meeting members of the Society of Tilt and Lance Cavalry, based out of Calgary.

Last year’s jousters included two from Poland and others from Oregon, Quebec and Alberta.

“It’s not choreographed. This is a real sports event,” Fischer says, adding it’s thrilling to watch.

Billed as a family event, there will also be live actors in "real life" performances, enacting life and work in the middle ages.

Friday night’s medieval madness on May 18 features performer-singer Jeremy Messenger, followed by aerial artists Cosmic coMotion in the Fire Dance Finale.

Saturday entertainers include Bryce Becket’s circus skills, Marius Kubis Stunts and Acting, and local belly dancing acts, while Sunday's acts include country and rock band Rob 'n Walker. 

Members of the Society of Tilt and Lance Cavalry will make up some of the festival’s jousting contingent.

Tickets for this year’s Osoyoos Medieval Faire go on sale April 1. Adult tickets are $20 each day at the gate, with children 10 and under free.

For more information, see the faire’s website.

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