THOMASVILLE — Today, MacIntyre Park Middle School will be transformed into “Bedevere” for the school’s Renaissance Festival, presented by students in the Explo program.

From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., festival goers will enjoy Old English plays, games, food, activities and entertainment. The public is invited to attend. Admission costs $1.

“Not only is this good for the people who come out to the Renaissance Festival, but it’s good for the students.” Explo advisor Sharon Cernogorsky said. “It’s academic application — the students use things they learn in the classroom.”

Students will present Renaissance-era plays at various times throughout the festival. Sixth graders will perform William Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” and eighth graders will put on the Bard’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Seventh-grade students will perform the “Commedia Dell Arte,'” a play that originated during the Renaissance period.

Popular games of the time, such as turtle racing, archery and sword fighting will be at the MacIntyre Renaissance fair, as well as games created by the students. Stone the Throne, a balloon and darts game, and Hooper Head will challenge participants, and for those looking for something a little less competitive, there will be hand waxing and molding, a maypole and a maze.

A king and queen of the Renaissance Festival will be crowned at 5 p.m., and the students will join in an authentic Renaissance dance during the festivities. There will also be “guilds” of students, selling wares such as jewelry, spices, honey, bread, as well as printers, weavers and hat-makers displaying their craft.

If you get hungry, stop by Queen Katherine’s Kitchen, for chicken skewers with peanut sauce, turkey legs, vegetable skewers with bell peppers and potatoes, fruit, tarts and lemonade.

Proceeds from the Renaissance Festival will go to the MacIntyre Park Explo program. For more information, contact Cernogorsky at the school, 225-2628.



To contact reporter Brewer Turley, call (229) 226-2400, ext. 226.