TRUMBULL TOWNSHIP —
Pete Elliott likes to make a fashion statement — to find that little extra something that really completes an outfit.
Decked out in a full-coverage face mask with some Hollywood history attached to it, Elliott of Mayfield Heights walked tall and looked scary at the Great Lakes Medieval Faire on Sunday.
“I have nine helms in my collection right now,” he said, “and I like all of them for different reasons.”
Needless to say, the fashion-forward accessory isn’t proper for most social occasions, but Elliott fit right in at Avaloch, the make-believe medieval town featured in the Great Lakes Medieval Faire.
Elliott’s helm, made by Valentine Armory of Canada, was featured in the movie “Beowulf.”
“This was King Rothgar’s death mask,” Elliott said. “It is the real deal.”
Matt Boser of Howland was also invoking all things renaissance on Sunday. Despite the 90-degree weather, Boser proudly wore an animal pelt over his period clothing.
“Anything to look authentic,” he said. “But really, it isn’t that hot to wear.”
Tonya Zeinen of Medina wore a lighter cotton dress as she followed her daughters’ lead at the faire, but made sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Daughter Jordan Coleman said she is a “playtron,” or a person who supplements the paid cast at the faire, “to enrich the experience for everyone.”
“We play with the cast and interact with the people to make it even more fun,” she said. “We dress up and dance and just fill in where we can.”
Patty Charielle of Euclid brought her prince and princess, Dominic Charielle, 7, and Sadie Charielle, 4, for their first renaissance experience.
“We have been hearing about this place for years and years and we just thought it was time to see it for ourselves,” she said. “We are having a blast and we will be back next year.”
The faire, which runs for six weeks with a different theme for each weekend, continues Saturday and Sunday with Fun, Fire and Fantasy. Admission is free on Sunday if you donate blood at the American Red Cross Bloodmobile from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pirates invade Avaloch on July 30 and 31. Aug. 6 and 7 is a Celtic celebration and Aug. 13 and 14 is Barbarians vs. the Romans.
Each weekend guests are encouraged to dress in interpretive medieval costume — many taking tips from the Lord of the Rings movies. Pointed elf ears, glittery fairy wings and horned Viking hats replace traditional casual attire and become the norm in Avaloch.
His metal headpiece glinting in the beating sun, Elliott said he is happy to look the part, no matter how hot the costume.
“It’s definitely hot in here,” he said, “but sometimes you have to suck it up. Vanity has its price.”
For more information on the Great Lakes Medieval Faire, including ticket prices and special event listings, visit www.medievalfaire.com.
Local News
Related Photos
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MARGIE TRAX / Star Beacon PETE ELLIOTT wears a helmet from the movie "Beowulf" at the Great Lakes Medieval Faire on Sunday. He and wife Erika Elliott participate in many faires and festivals each year.
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MARGIE TRAX / Star Beacon CHEERS! MATT Boser and Tonya Zeien toast to happiness at the Great Lakes Medieval Faire on Sunday.
Discussion
Clothes make the Medieval Faire
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