Jubilee College State Historic Site's Olde English Faire Cancelled (IL)

…Jubilee's Olde English Faire, a celebration of the Middle Ages that features jousting, arts and craft vendors, music, food and competitions in fencing, archery and acrobatics, would have marked its 37th year this summer. But ex-governor Rod Blagojevich cut $2.8 million from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency's $5.6 million million budget, which closed the Jubilee College State History Site.

Illinois Historic Preservation Agency spokesman David Blanchette said the Jubilee College site was closed Dec. 1 through April 23, so preparation for the festival was impossible.

"Because of the size of the event, contracts for the performers and vendors needed to be signed during that critical time when the site was closed," Blanchette said. "At the time, we really had no idea when we might reopen. We were not in a position to enter into those agreements for the event. And so the decision was made to cancel it this year, but we do anticipate holding it in 2010."

The festival is said to draw some 20,000 people to central Illinois. Local businesses likely will take a hit, as the knights and maidens who descend on the place annually often buy gas and supplies and dine in local restaurants.

Peorian Bill Keltner, a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, has been involved in the festival since 1982. In past years, Keltner could be found hosting weapons demonstrations and archery sessions and teaching Medieval games at the festival.

"We're disappointed. It's a major source of revenue for our group, and it's also a major recruiting tool," said Keltner, who notes that many festival attendees come from out of state to attend. He says the SCA members at the festival total somewhere between 350 to 400, and he estimates attendance at nearly 35,000 last year. "Many of them, like me, have been coming there for many years. We camped, so we always bought food and ice from both Brimfield and Kickapoo…"

Complete article:
http://www.pjstar.com/entertainment/x1076903694/Hatch-Festival-plan-missing-a-few-big-dates

Comments

[Scott Carlson]

The Faire is back on! Wildlife Prairie State Park will be hosting this spectacular event this year June 19th and 20th of 2010. Come see us. More information will be available on our website soon.
http://wildlifeprairiestatepark.org/