Medieval re-enactors demonstrating archery and jousting, a sword-in-the-stone activity for children and a traveling Renaissance comedy show are a few of the festivities at this weekend’s Richmond Days.

An organizer of the town’s annual festival said this year’s waterfront event will be like a “mini-Renaissance fair.”

The bulk of the events will be held Saturday at the waterfront, but there are a few children’s activities, including an outdoor showing of “The Sword in the Stone” on Friday evening. Along with activities related to this year’s Renaissance theme, Saturday will feature the usual events, including a parade in the morning, tours of Swan Island, lobster crate races, pontoon boat rides and a fireworks show when the sun goes down.

Victoria Boundy, community and business development director for Richmond, said the town chose the theme because Renaissance fairs are popular elsewhere, but there aren’t any in the region. She said the medieval reenactment group putting on the demonstrations, the Brotherhood of the Arrow and Sword, performs at Renaissance fairs around New England and mixes entertainment with education.

The group’s demonstrations will include an educational 15th-century military encampment, live steel combat using dull weapons and a hands-on archery activity.

Festival attendees are encouraged, but not required, to dress up in Renaissance attire, Boundy said.

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She said another new feature at this year’s festival will be an evening performance by the Celtic rock band Prydein, featuring a bagpipe player.

For a complete schedule of events, visit the town of Richmond’s website.

Paul Koenig — 621-5663

pkoenig@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @pdkoenig


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