January 14, 2010
Thursday

Ketchikan, Alaska - Ketchikan's very first Midwinter Medieval Feast was held Saturday, January 9th. The feast was organized by a newly formed non-profit, the Ketchikan Medieval and Renaissance Society or K-MARS.

After a blessing by medieval monk, "Brother" Gene O'Brien, the feast consisted of food from recipes from the medieval period, about 1000 to 1600 AD. Guests dined on tasty doucettes, a pork pie; cock-a-leekie soup; compost, a medieval vegetable dish and spiced pears. Guests ate with their hands, assisted only by a knife and a bread roll known as a trencher. Many guests came dressed in period costume.

Bill Thomas was chosen as king of the feast. Thomas then picked Carol Shay to be his queen. Her husband Steve Shay was allowed by the king to sit with them. Photo courtesy Anita Hales

A king of the feast was chosen by lottery. Bill Thomas was chosen by Adryan Shull who picked his name from a basket. Thomas then picked Carol Shay to be his queen. Her husband Steve Shay was allowed by the king to sit with them.

Chamberlain Rod Landis gave some medieval history and was master of ceremonies for the entertainment.

Piper, Bill Urquhart and Highland Dancer Jane Bolima began the entertainment with a lively highland fling.

Jack Shay, who was the feast's fool, kept a lively banter to entertain the guests.

Background music was provided by Tears of Fancy and Rainy Day Recorders.

A special musical ballad was presented by troubadour Chris Wilhelm and his son Matthew.

Crusader, Dustin Shull presented the king with his tribute from Jerusalem, 3 belly dancers. Shull's tribute was challenged by the Black Knight Hospitaller, Chris Barry. After a fierce sword battle (with Nerf swords), the Black Knight left wounded and in shame.

The show ended with a fiery performance by the dancers.

According to Anita Hales, president of K-MARS, the group hopes this will be the first of many historical events held by the organization and that the feast will become an annual event for the community.

People interested in participating in K-MARS can contact Anita Hales at 254-1984.

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Ketchikan, Alaska