---

A medieval forest of treasures and adventures at King Richard's Faire in the Realm of Carvershire (better know as Carver) will awaken the inner history buff of anyone, young or old.

The Faire has been celebrated on this spot since Richard and Bonnie Shapiro bought 80 acres of land and set about re-creating the medieval world.

"The players at the Faire are either locals, many of whom have been with the Faire for all of the 26 years, or hired actors who travel from faire to faire across the country making their living," said Tonie Snyder, public relations director for King Richard's.

The buildings (re-creations in the Tudor style) are permanent structures in the "realm," which is mapped out as a medieval marketplace would have been in the 16th century.

Walking through the gates, you are plunged into a medieval marketplace celebrating its annual festival. Consulting my Mappe of the Realm, I wandered down York Way and encountered Lady Caer Imbolmeigh of Ireland singing with the voice of an angel. "'Tis called 'Greensleaves,'" she said, when asked the name of the song. "King Henry VIII wrote it for Ann Boleyn."

All of the actors speak in Olde English and are in period costume. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume as well. If you happen to be short on medieval garb you can duck into Seams Like a Dream, also on York Way, and rent a costume for the day. Buy some garland or ribbon to twine through your hair, a flower from the basket of the wandering flower seller, and then be on your way through the Realm of Carvershire.

Stop in at Avalon Apothecary for soaps and herbs. Glass jars full of colorful flower buds, thistle, seeds and other potion-making ingredients line the wood counters. The Royal Pharmacist is available to assist you with recipes.

At Somewhere in Time, you can discover the meaning of your family name, see your family crest and the significance of its medieval symbols.

Jousting tournaments are a site to behold. King Richard and his court are in the royal box overlooking the field while the Archbishop says a prayer and a blessing.

"You have chosen to fight to the death and stand by your oath of chivalry," says Archbishop Peter Fitzgerald.

"And who would cheer Sir Joseph?" One side of the stadium erupts.

"And who would cheer Sir Otto?" The other side responds.

The crowd roars as the horses in full regalia thunder toward one another kicking up clouds of dust. Lances crash into shields. Booming drums and clashing cymbals add to the drama. Sir Joseph, Knight of the Realm of Carvershire, and Sir Otto, both thrown off their steeds, engage in hand-to-hand combat. The late afternoon sun glints off the clashing swords, blood spurtsand Sir Otto is no more. Sir Joseph is declared the winner.

Near the jousting field, Hercules entertained a crowd of his own at the Tigers Stage. At 900 pounds and 11 feet tall on hind legs, he is impressive. You can imagine what people in 16th century England must have thought when they saw such a site. Fire-eating, juggling and general mayhem make for additional fun. Human chess games, gypsy dancers or belly dancing runs throughout the day on the Dance Stage and the Mud Pit is overrun with slovenly beggars wrestling to win a pittance.

The Kids Cove and the Gaming Glen provide fun for both grown ups and the wee ones: For kids, there is a swan swing, fractured fairy tales and a critter catapult.

Grown-ups can try their hand at archery or ax throwing. Winners are awarded a jester's hat, a queen's hat or, if you are really, really good, you will be knighted!

You can easily get away from the merriment and mayhem if need be. In the middle of the bucolic forest setting are picnic tables.

If your travel companion gets overly ornery, you can visit the stocks and stick 'em in for a while.

If you go...

HOURS:

King Richard’s Faire is open weekends through Oct. 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

DIRECTIONS:

Take Route 495 to the Carver exit and follow the many well-placed signs.

ADMISSION:

$25 for adults, $14 for children 5-12, free for kids younger than 5. Discount coupons are available online or at select locations of Lil’ Peach, Store 24 and Tedeschi Food Shops and Applebee’s restaurants. Visit online sites for a specific location, most are on or near the South Shore. The best discount deal I found was a free child’s ticket (worth $14) at participating Applebee’s.

TIP FOR PARENTS:

If you are taking little kids, use a jogger’s stroller, the terrain can be tricky. (You are in the woods.)

SPECIAL EVENTS: Upcoming contests include Prince and Princess Day at the Faire, a children’s costume contest on Sept. 22 for kids 12 and under, and Queen for a Day contest on Oct. 6.

ONLINE: www.kingrichardsfaire.net