The Sands Point Preserve great lawn, baronial Castle Gould and Hempstead House provide the perfect backdrop for the annual Medieval Festival. The popular weekend event, features knights in shining armor, medieval archers and kings and queens.
Each day, the festival begins with a procession of the royal court to the viewing stands, followed by battles among knights in shining armor armed with swords, maces and battle axes. Twice a day, jousting matches are held on the lawn behind Hempstead House, and exhibitions of archery skill by medieval bowmen and “fight the knight” demos (Visitors are invited to try their hand at these ancient endeavors) are offered several times a day. At the close of each day, there is the “storming of Castle Gould” to free the captured queen, followed by a meeting of the Royal Court to determine the fate of the queen’s kidnappers.
Throughout the day, the historic atmosphere is enhanced with period entertainment, including instrumentalists, madrigal singers, a dance troupe and a traditional Maypole dance, as well as a medieval-style puppet show performed by noted puppeteer Fred Greenspan. Other activities include a fashion show featuring the ornate costumes of lords and ladies, craftspeople demonstrating a variety of fine skills, and games for children and adults.
