Sierra Mountain Times

Full contact jousting: the jouster has a one-ton horse, 100-150 lbs of armor, and a 12-foot, 22 lb lance, laminated for strength! He aims for a spot on his opponent’s left shoulder called the gridded grand guarde. He scores: 1 point for a mere touch; 3 pts for a “goodly hit”; 5 pts for an unseating; 6 pts for a broken lance; 8 pts for an un-horsing!  Pretty wild! 

 Have you ever seen a Wicked Tinker? Ever drink a Bloody Viking?  Ever seen a ten-foot tall Scotsman? Well, they were there at the 23rd annual Sonora Celtic Faire, at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds, March 13-15! The “Faire-grounds”, you might say, was a virtual cornucopia of spectacles and delights! There were  era-reenactments, including medieval sword fights; Celtic attire and jewelry were sold at the many crafts booths; but at one, a musician was playing his dulcimer and selling his CD music. Then, coming RIGHT AT YOU: McCloud, The 10-foot Scotsman!! Seamus the very, very realistic Leprechaun was also strolling the grounds, greeting folks. Over yonder, a lass was dragging a lad around by a rope. A sign hanging around the poor lad’s neck proclaimed that he was the “Village Idyot”. A pirate pulled a little wagon, transporting two parrots and advertising his act called “Fowl Tales Parrot Show”.  Booths were set up by modern-day clans such as MacLennan, MacPherson and MacLachan. This reporter even located a booth set up by “Clan Inebriated” (The authenticity of this clan had not been determined as of press time.) Indeed, there were unbelievable sights at the Faire! And then the aromas wafting through the air!  Mmmm, the smell of potato chowder cooking! Or, Scottish Meat Pies! (spiced beef with oats in a delicious pastry shell). Various re-enactment groups in era-costumes spoke in such manner and dialect, that you’d swear you’d been time-transported to Ireland, Scotland, Wales or Cornwall – circa 1600 or 1700! And there was non-stop music everywhere! Traditional Scottish music by the Fresno Stag & Thistle Pipe Band; “Tribal Celtic Bagpipe Music” performed by the Wicked Tinkers; and the rocking sounds of Need Fire, a group from Austin Texas, that is a prime example of “Modern Celtic Music”. In all, there were over a dozen musical acts performing!  Remember, though: until you’ve heard rock music that utilizes bagpipes and didgeridoos, you haven’t heard anything! (By the way, ingredients for a Bloody Viking are vodka, orange juice and a splash of cran for the blood!)