Excalibur Fantasy Faire
Dale, Texas

When: weekends from mid-March to early April

Where: Dale (near Lockhart) in Caldwell County.

The days of Camelot return as the Arthurian legend is revived in the woods of Dale, Texas, which is magically transformed into the Isle of Avalon for five weekends of fantasy. Following are just a few of the attractions that await those who traverse through this portal to the past:

Activities: Olde World tunes sung by strolling minstrels waft through the fairground as festival attendees navigate through a mystical realm where knights duel for love and honor while the exotic artistry of belly dancers entice passersby. Adult audiences are entertained by comic troupes spouting saucy soliloquies, while in the main field a battle for supremacy takes place during the siege game of Trebuchet. Who will win the bout?

Perhaps the resident soothsayer can predict the outcome as she peers into the future of curious souls.
Children's Activities: Every tiny explorer looking for buried booty at Dwarven Gem Mine will find a treasure to take home, while tikes can test their aim at the Tomato Assault or at Sherwood Archery, where both the young and the young at heart can pretend to be Robin Hood. Little ones can learn about the ancient ways at Excalibur's Children's Show, then stop by the face painting booth for a colorful reminder of the day's fantasy adventure.

Shopping: Browse through 75 booths teeming with trinkets in search of a souvenir of your stay. At one vendor's stall, the brightly colored feathers atop jaunty hats and on flirty fans playfully wave in the breeze, while the kaleidoscopic effect of sunlight dancing on a crystal ornament catches your eye at another booth. Rings mounted with semi-precious stones wait to adorn the hand of a fair maiden, and court dresses and pirate gear offer the promise of Renaissance romance throughout the year.

Weddings: Three wedding packages lets marriage-minded medieval enthusiasts pledge their love at the Isle of Avalon. The budget-conscious Villager package offers complimentary passes for 25 guests, who can enjoy a day's worth of festival fun after witnessing two bridesmaids bearing garlands walk ahead of the bride, who clutches a bouquet composed of three roses as she makes her way toward the groom. After the ceremony, two faire entertainers can drop by the reception as family and friends toast the happy couple with a keg of beer and two bottles of mead.

As its moniker suggests, the Royalty package is the venue's most regal expression of devotion available. Guest passes are provided for 100 friends and family members, who can celebrate the union at the specified wedding area for two hours. The happy couple can leave their cars in the VIP parking area before the start of the ceremony, when the bride carries an arrangement of 12 roses down the aisle, while six bridesmaids, six attendants and the groom are also supplied with floral finery. Six festival performers join the post-nuptial festivities, where two kegs of beer and six bottles of mead flow freely.

Accommodations: Faire attendees can get back to nature at Excalibur's campgrounds, which offers p

ortable toilet facilities on the four-acre grounds. Those looking for more amenities can book rooms at the Lockhart Inn or Plum Creek Inn in nearby Lockhart.

For more information:

• visit www.excaliburfaire.com or www.worldofavalon.com