Cooks Creek Medieval Festival returns after 6 year hiatus

Hundreds of people braved the heat to come out to Cooks Creek Medieval Festival on Saturday for the kick-off of the two day event.

Many enthusiasts took the opportunity to dress up in medieval and viking-themed clothing, fitting in perfectly with the festival’s activities which included jousting, sword-fighting and listening to period music.

Instructor Provost Chad McFarland with the Valour Historical European Martial Arts Academy was there with his team to give swordfighting demonstrations throughout the day, including 16th century rapier swords.

“This was the sword of the Musketeers, cavaliers … it was what you would consider your pistol of the time period,” said McFarland. “You wouldn’t typically find these on the battlefield, it was more for duelling or for self-defense on the street.”

During a demonstration of swords with CityNews, McFarland also showed off a longsword, a two-handed weapon.

“This is your ‘knightly’ sword,” he said. “What’s funny is that, a lot of people would typically find that (the rapier sword) is way, way lighter but if you hold (the rapier and longsword) at the same time, they’re very close in weight overall.”

McFarland and his team were not only doing demonstrations — they were also gearing up for multiple tournaments.

“Both days we have what we’re deeming our ‘gladiator battles’. So people can come out, purchase little coin tokens that we’ve had struck … as many tokens as you purchase is what you’re going to purchase for what weapon (the fighter will) have,” he said. “So if it’s one token, they’re gonna get a dagger. If it’s 10 tokens, they’re gonna get a longsword.”

Daniel Peters attended the festival Saturday with Amie Komoski, dressed as a knight and maiden respectively.

Daniels dressed in a full suit of armour with a cape and carried a sword with him.

“I’ve been working on this full suit for about 2 years now, working on the gloves and the plates, all of it made of metal and leather that I had to find then build in my own garage,” said Peters.

For the pair, it was a long-awaited return of the festival that was six years in the making.

“Because of COVID and everything, it’s been a while so I’m super excited to be here,” Komoski said.

Komoski had less work to prepare for the event than Daniels, dressed in a white blouse and burgundy dress, but says it still took some effort.

“I think the wig was probably the longest part to (do). It took like, maybe a month to braid everything and to style it and all. As for (my outfit), it’s just stuff that I’ve found around. I’ve had this shirt for years in my closet so it’s a perfect opportunity to do it.”

Both say the costumes are what keeps them coming back each year — along with medieval-themed activities they can enjoy.

“I’m super looking forward to the jousting. I like coming and seeing all the different people coming from all over the world and just sharing an interest in medieval festival things,” Komoski said.

“I’m most (looking forward) to all the fairs and all the things to buy. The jousts, the fights. I’m really a nerd about this, as you can see, just here for a good time looking at wares,” said Peters.

Noble lords and ladies, jesters and jugglers, dragons and more are invited to come out to the festival, which ends Sunday evening.