Sands Point Preserve Becomes A Medieval Kingdom

Sands Point Preserve takes a trip back in time this weekend, as it is transformed into a medieval for its 30th annual Medieval Faire. Attendees can take part in an interactive look at medieval life, complete with a jousting tournament, an archery demonstration, exhibits on medieval art and costume, and a siege on Sands  Point's castle.

During the past weekend, and the current one, Sands Point is the home of Kingdom of Acre, a medieval village. From watching dancers and jugglers to an actual jousting tournament, faire-goers had the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of what medieval life would have been like in Western Europe.

The annual festival is put on by Medieval Scenarios and Recreations (MSR) Incorporated, an historical recreation group composed entirely of volunteers who all share a love for medieval history and culture. This love of history is what inspired many members to join, including Tamar Beecher and her husband Doug, who joined the group after coming to the fair themselves.

"I had an interest in Renaissance faires and medieval-style things for quite awhile," said Beecher, as she showcased stained glass and other forms of medieval art in the faire's Arts and Sciences tent, "and we actually came to the faire as attendees about four years ago and said, 'Hey, why not join the group?' We both enjoy doing education and we enjoy reenacting, so this was a good fit."

"The organization is fantastic, they're full of wonderful people," said Michael Burkhardt, who has been a member of MSR for 22 years and has played the role of Sir Balin, the kingdom's antagonist, for 15. "It's been my privilege and pleasure to be with them."

In addition to entertaining the faire-goers, members of MSR also educate them on what life was like in the Middle Ages. Tents set up on the grounds on Saturday, Sept. 11, featured demonstrations of swords and other weaponry, and an up-close look at how armor is made. At one point in the afternoon, a fashion show was held, showcasing the evolution of costume from the medieval period all the way up to the beginnings of the Renaissance in the late 15th century.

The big draw of the day was the two jousting tournaments, which proved to be very popular with the faire-goers.

"They're not messing around, it's for real," said Westbury resident Michael Herman, who said the jousting was his favorite part of the afternoon. "They really are running at each other on horses with lances. They're not playing around!"

The joust was also a learning experience. The two particpants, a Sir Geoffrey and Lady Gwyneth, rode their horses through the jousting field set up behind Hempstead House, spearing bags and using their lances to collect small rings before the main event began. As they suited up in their armor, made by Sir Geoffrey himself,  the tournament host Sir Balin, played  by Burkhardt, explained to the audience the importance of jousting to a knight's training for warfare. 

Bayville resident Mark Bauman was impressed by the group's devotion to historical accuracy. "It's very authentic. I enjoy history as a hobby and to see them out there, making such an effort of doing it accurately and taking the glamour out of it and making it what it is - dangerous - I enjoyed that."

Other attractions included an archery demonstration, two puppet shows, a petting zoo, performances by magicians and jesters, and a sparring tournament among the knights. Vendors set up throughout the grounds sold everything from toy swords and headdresses to jewelry and magic crystals. The day even ended with a siege on Sands Point's castle.

Children had the opportunity to "Fight a Knight," entering the tournament field and getting the chance to fight one of the knights themselves.

"I enjoy watching the little kids beat them up," said Betti Haas of Bellmore as she watched a little girl in a tutu take down one of the knights. Haas has been attending the faire for 15 years, and showed up Saturday with her son and daughter. "We just enjoy the whole ambience. It never gets old."

MSR members were happy with how everything turned out, between the beautiful and sunny weather, and the large crowds.

"I think the nice weather's helped and usually we have a more crowded day on Sunday than on Saturday, but it seems like we have a healthy turnout today," said Laura Shear, who has been a member of MSR since its inception in 1980. "It's always iffy when it falls on 9/11, but I think sometimes people need to get out and do something pleasant to help get away from the negatives of that."

The faire takes place Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. MSR suggests viewing their website for more information on the faire. Those interested in joining the group are also encouraged to look at the website.