The Alabama Medieval Fantasy Festival will transport visitors back in to the amazing sights and sounds of village life, circa 800.

Beginning today, and continuing through Sunday, the event staged just outside of Greenville will include 75 vendors, co-owner of the festival, Nancy Johnson, said.

“We have some wonderful new educational exhibits for 2017,” she said. “Not only do we have our popular jousting exhibitions and the falconry show, we also have individuals well seasoned in the arts of demonstrating basket weaving, pottery, blacksmithing, glass blowing and soap making, Johnson said. “There will be a skilled historic cook and bread maker, an artisan of chain mail, and a Norman encampment as well. All these individuals are excellent teachers who focus on how and why things were done back then, and how we still use some of that very same old-fashioned technology today.”

While the faire encompasses a broad swath of history from the Vickigns to King Arthur and from Robin Hood through Queen Elizabeth, or about 800 – 1600 A.D., the ALMFF and its fantasy Kingdom of Dragon Crof, ruled by King Gregory and Queen Annwynn, is mainly set during the 9th century. Hundreds of costumed characters recreate the colorful hustle and bustle of a medieval marketplace. There are plans to expand the event each year, adding days and weekends to the fair as it continues to expand on its 30-acre site.

“It is foretold that we shall have a glorious weather for the faire this year, so come one and come all to Dragon Croft,” Johnson said.

Gates open at 10 a.m. daily at the faire’s 4776 Fort Dale Road location, approximately five minutes from downtown Greenville. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12. Cash is recommended as the event is no set up for credit/debit cards.

For more information, including a daily schedule of events, visit their website at www.almff.com.

–from The Greenville Advocate