Medieval history has always intrigued Julie Murie , she says, but she admits being too shy to seek out any groups of like-minded people.
Once her sons showed interest in the time period -- they attended a program on siege weapons and visited a subsequent Society for Creative Anachronism fighter practice -- she decided it was time to get involved. Murie and her family joined the SCA 11 years ago.
FAQ
Gravette Renaissance Festival
WHEN — 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday
WHERE — Old Town Park in Gravette, 110 Park Drive
COST — $1
INFO — Search Gravette Public Library on Facebook
Murie's area of interest is medieval animal husbandry and farming. She will bring a herd of rabbits to the fourth annual Gravette Renaissance Festival on Saturday.
Old Town Park in Gravette will be transformed into a medieval village to raise money for the Gravette Public Library.
"This is the first year it's a fundraiser," says librarian Kim Schneider. "[The library is] moving downtown as part of the Main Street revitalization."
The event really is put together by the community, for the community, she says.
City officials will man booths alongside minstrels, magicians and other medieval entertainment.
Last year a couple thousand people -- from all over the country -- attended the event, Schneider says.
"It's not a huge fair. I like that feel," Murie says. "It feels more like a community."
-- Kelly Barnett
NAN What's Up on 11/06/2015