University of Kansas - The Jayhawker Yearbook

“Kris Schocno Kn* Schtxno he New Riders of the Golden Age entertained audiences at the festival with authentic recreations of medieval jousts John Hanses of the Celestial Circus uses star charts to map the future of festival visitors, lien were held hourly. This year ' s festival, the largest one on record, attracted many fortune tellers and soothsayers like those found in the days of yore. Street characters are responsible for inter- acting with the crowd and informing them of upcoming events. She said that when in character, " you can ' t be in a bad mood, " and you must " at least say ' hello ' to the people, " to make the patrons feel welcome. According to the students, the festival was a wonderful opportunity to escape as well as to make new friends. Burnett said one of her favorite parts of the festival was in the morning before the patrons arrived, when all of the participants were getting into character and wandering around the grounds. " It ' s like you ' re go- ing back in time, " she said. There is nothing to make the festival commercial, Rawitch added. Burnett also spoke of the many different types of peo- ple who were involved. The experience " broadens your perspectives, " she said, and the festival was a great way to make friends even if the season was the only time to see them. Elton spoke of the par- ticipants as an extended family. When the festival begins every year, she said, " it ' s kind of like a homecoming. " The festival has a collection of artisians specializing in such crafts as pottery or jewelry, as well as jugglers, magicians and street characters who mingle and heckle the patrons. Singers and musicians add to the atmosphere by performing music from the :6th century. Wandering through the grove, patrons can imagine life in the Middle Ages. Many patrons return to the festival every year. As Rawitch said, " It ' s not fall until you can get out there. " Kris Schocno Children ride in the dragon swing. People-powered carnival rides, live elephant and amel rides, sideshows and handcrafts could be found at this year ' s festival. 13 ”