ANGORA- As the fifth-annual Festival of Skalds approaches this coming Saturday and Sunday, the homegrown event is now an established part of the North Country festival scene— but that doesn’t mean folks won’t find new and exciting wrinkles to this ever-evolving event.
The family-oriented festival is a weekend of Old Norse-themed merriment, complete with primitive archery, axe throwing, Viking food and games mixed with fantasy elements like mermaids and fairies. The festival celebrates the skalds who were the keepers of Viking history and great story tellers of their people. And while the festival is steeped in Norse history, it’s also found a niche with those accustomed to more traditional Renaissance fairs as well, with a Norse spin on familiar activities.
Revelers surely won’t lack for things to see and do at the festival, with a long list of vendors and performers detailed in the event’s official program.
Nearly 30 vendors have been confirmed for the event, with wares both whimsical and practical. Revelers will find handcrafted items such as soaps, baskets, pottery, jewelry, and wood-working pieces. If you’re enamored with history or fantasy, there will be items inspired by Norse, Viking, and Anglo-Saxon themes, and mystical creatures such as dragons, mermaids, frogs, butterflies and more.
You can’t have a festival without food, and Festival of Skalds will feature at least five unique and creative vendors offering their takes on everything from candy to kettle corn and pulled pork sandwiches to specialty baked goods.
Entertainment has been a hallmark of past festivals, and this year will be no different. Embrace your inner warrior with a display of primitive archery with Iron Ranger Arts and the North Woods Grizzlies Archery Team and the sharply-honed skills of the Axe Throwing Men. Immerse yourself in an ancient culture as you learn to speak Gaelic, the language of the Scots. Adventurers can embark on a magical journey with dragon hunter training and experience a touch of the exotic with the Dans Askina Turkish Dance Ensemble. And enjoy the poetry and music of the mystic Mustafa Ali.
To heighten the fun, patrons are highly encouraged to wear family-friendly costumes reflecting Old Norse, medieval, fantasy, or Renaissance themes.
No firearms are permitted on festival grounds, and bladed weapons must be tied, strapped, or otherwise secured so that they cannot be drawn or wielded.
If you choose to bring a dog, you must provide proof of current shots and fill out a dog registration form prior to entry. No other pets are allowed.
The festival runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for those age 13 and up, and $1 for kids 12 and under. Alternatively, admission is free with a canned good donation for the Cook Area Food Pantry.
The festival entrance is located at 8182 Carpenter Rd. in Angora. For the official list of vendors and events, go to the festival webpage at https://ironrangerarts.com/festival-of-skalds.