96-03-26 Renaissance Festival is May 4

OSU HOLDS 21ST ANNUAL MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

     COLUMBUS -- The Medieval and Renaissance periods of history 
have long since passed; however, Ohio State University students 
and faculty will keep the traditions alive at the 21st annual 
Medieval and Renaissance Festival, Saturday, May 4, from 11 a.m. 
to 5 p.m. on the South Oval (12th Avenue and College Road).

     The theme of this year's festival is "The War of the 
Roses," which occurred from 1460 until 1485.  The War of the 
Roses was the struggle for the succession to the throne of 
England between the houses of Lancaster and York.  The name was 
coined after the white rose of York and the red rose of 
Lancaster, which were worn by each side.  

     The festival begins at 11 a.m. with a Grand Processional 
through Mirror Lake Hollow.  Throughout the day, costumed 
performers will entertain visitors with medieval swordfights, 
plays, a human chessboard, dances, juggling, magic and music.  
It's an afternoon of laughter and merriment for the entire 
family. 

     Games and amusements such as Nine-Men's Morris, Fox and 
Geese, and Chess -- on a life-size scale -- are offered as an 
example of leisure time activities of the Renaissance.  Face 
painting, balloons and a children's sing-alongs will be available 
for children and the young at heart.  Festival-goers are invited 
to watch a magic show or have their palms read.  Musical 
instruments, clothing and games all recall a distant era.  Many 
visitors also dress in period style.  Crafts and food reminiscent 
of the Renaissance, as well as festival posters and T-shirts, 
will be sold.

     The goal of the festival is to promote the heritage and 
knowledge of the Medieval and Renaissance periods and to provide 
a glimpse into the characters of people of long ago.

     The Medieval and Renaissance Festival is one way that Ohio 
State shares its vitality with the community," says Jill Cohen, 
sophomore majoring in Natural Resources from Philadelphia and a 
member of the festival steering committee.  "It's a fun day for 
the entire family.  It has juggling, swordfights, magic, humor 
and it's free."

     The Festival is sponsored by the Ohio Union Programs Office 
and the University Honors Center.  The event is free and open to 
the public.  In case of rain, the festival will move inside the 
Ohio Union, 1739 North High Street.

                             #

Contact: Jill Cohen, (614) 688-6399, or David Strauss, University 
Honors Center, (614) 292-3135.


[Submitted by: Von Reid-Vargas (ereid@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu)
               
Tue, 26 Mar 1996 15:15:46 -0500]
All documents are the responsibility of their originator.