A Look Back at the Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival
2013 -2018
For a number of years this was the official website for the Osgoode Medieval Festival where visitors could take a step back into medieval times with dazzling dancers, fantastic sword fights, and much more. Founded in 2008 the Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival is a three day event celebrating all things medieval in a self enclosed rural village setting in Embrun, Ontario, Canada.
Content is from the site's 2014 -2017 archived pages as well as other outside sources.
For the most up to date information about the Osgoode Medieval Festival go to: https://www.uppercanadavillage.com/events/medieval-festival/
Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival
5673 Osgoode Main Street
Embrun, ON K0A 1W0, Canada
"As a fan of Medival festivals, I can state unequivocally that his is one of the best there is. The 2018 event was incredible and marked 10 straight years of annual fun! There's a rumor that the 2019 event was cancelled as a result of some unusual happenings. First, no one was killed in 2018. But when the event was searched for in Google in late 2018, there were some weird search results on Google's first page suggesting that some medival methods of punishment were meted out inappropriately on unsuspecting participants resulting in humiliation and lawsuits. We know this is untrue. We also know that Google often gets it wrong, resulting in disastrous misinformation being spread that can often cause havoc with personal lives with harmful impacts on lives and businesses. But the end of this festival had nothing to do with those articles. Let's be clear about that one real fact, regardless of Google's search results. We miss the event and hope for a subsequent return in following years. I will attend if that happens." Jeremy Wall
2018 WELCOME TO THE KINGDOM OF OSGOODE
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF OSGOODE AND ATTEND THE 11TH ANNUAL KINGDOM OF OSGOODE MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL WHICH RUNS 14-15 JULY 2018, WITH EDUCATION DAY ON 13 JULY.
NEWS ALERT – WE CELEBRATED OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FESTIVAL IN STYLE.
LONG LIVE KING EVAN!
The Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival
Connie & Heather Bazil from the Osgoode Medieval Festival talk about the 2017 year's event which is also the 10th Anniversary.
NEW FOR 2018
♦ A DULCIMER PLAYER WILL BE SPREADING THEIR FAIR MUSIC THROUGH THE KING’S FOREST!
♦ NEW MUSICAL ACTS THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND!;
♦ A SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER WILL BE HELD ONSITE IN SUPPORT OF THE OTTAWA REGIONAL CANCER FOUNDATION! BE SURE TO STOP BY THE OVCA TENT DURING THE FESTIVAL TO BID ON YOUR FAVOURITE ITEMS
ADMISSION
The cost to enter the Kingdom and see and experience all the festival has to offer is very reasonable. It truly is a bargain for families be it for a one day outing or the full weekend!
Admission Fees:
- Day Admission: Adult – $10 / Children 4 to 12 years of age- $6
- Children under 4 are free
- Weekend Pass: Adult – $15 / Children 4 to 12 years of age – $10
- Family Package: $35 (2 adults & 4 children)
- Saturday night Medieval Murder Mystery Dinner: $45 per person (age of majority)
∗All tickets purchased at the gates must be paid in cash as we do not accept cheques or have the ability to process debit and credit cards.
PLEASE NOTE: NO DOGS (even on leashes) are permitted at the Festival – service dogs excepted.
GETTING HERE
The Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival takes place in the Village of Osgoode just south of Ottawa.
The actual location of Kingdom walls which houses the medieval festival is located right on Osgoode Main next to the plaza that houses B&H, the Red Dot Café and Scotiabank. It is very hard to miss – but for ye of poor eyesight who rely on wizardry (read magical GPS units) the address to enter into your TomTom/ Garmin/ Frederick is 5673 Osgoode Main Street .
SATURDAY & SUNDAY BUS SHUTTLE
THERE WILL BE A FREE SHUTTLE BUS RUNNING ON BOTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM THE GREENBORO STATION (NEAR SOUTH KEYS) TO THE FESTIVAL SITE AND BACK TO GREENBORO STATION.
LOOK FOR THE YELLOW LEDUC SCHOOL BUS AND THEN HOP ON AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TIMES:
- The shuttle will depart Greenboro for Osgoode at 9 am, 10:30 am and 1:15 pm
- The shuttle will depart Osgoode at 12:30 pm, 4 pm and the last shuttle will leave Osgoode at 5:15 pm
KNIGHTS OF VALOUR
Without a doubt, the jousting by the Knights of Valour is the most exciting and entertaining event that occurs at the Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival!
The Knights of Valour perform on Education Day and put on two shows each day during the Festival.
"I had a jolly good time at the 2018 festivities along with several good friends who enjoy the trip back to medieval times. Had a pair of boots made for me by a really talented craftsman and his assistant. Loved the joust and the costumed participants. I did have one issue with the presence of new technology though. A young peasant lad was surreptitiously using a 510 thread vape pen, and pretending it was an ancient pipe. But clearly it was a vaporizer - you can tell because the pens are long batteries that connect to a 510 cartridge. My buddies tease me for being too much of a purist, but I really think that using a vaporizer during a medieval festival is kind of out of bounds. Aside from this small annoyance, the drink was great the music charming, and a good time was had by all!" Dante Wells
2015 WELCOME TO THE KINGDOM OF OSGOODE
Prithee peace friends,
You are cordially invited to enter into the Kingdom of Osgoode and attend the 8th Annual Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival which runs 11-12 July 2015, with Education Day on July 10th.
From now until the end of the festival, this site will be continually updated to reflect all new information for this year’s festival so come back frequently to see what is new.
Last year saw the return of King Gordon and Queen Debbie and then ended with a twist!!!
You can read all about the rule of former King Davis and his predecessors, along with all the past Royal Decrees.
Recent Royal Decrees & Update
Read about all the events that transpired under the rule of King Davis (which commenced in July 2011 upon the death of King Tracey) which has culminated in the current state of affairs in the Kingdom of Osgoode!
2015 will see some new entertainment (both dancers and musicians) so stay tuned.
5673 Osgoode Main Street
Osgoode, Ontario, Canada
1-613-443-9090
11th-12th July 2015
MEDIEVAL MURDER MYSTERY DINNER
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER?
Uffington Castle is about to be embroiled in
Murder most foul, and our intrepid Brother
Cantfail is without his trusty acolytes to help
him sift through the many clues surrounding
The Mysterious death(s). Help the good Brother
Solve the crime, and protect the realm of our
Good and Royal cousin, Queen Elswith.
Yours truly,
King Gordon
SUSPECTS AT A MEDIEVAL MURDER!
QUEEN ELSWITH – THE QUEEN
WAYLAND THE SMITH – THE SMITH
SIR RENDER – PORTLY KNIGHT
SIR VEILLANCE – KNIGHT
VICTORIA SPONGE – COOK/SERVING WENCH
MAID INCHINA – MAID IN WAITING
THE INVESTIGATION IS LED BY:
CANTFAIL – THE MONK SENT TO SOLVE THE CRIME. EFFICIENT IN HIS OWN PECULIAR WAY, CANTFAIL HAS AN UNUSUAL METHOD
OF SOLVING CRIMES – HE INVOLVES EVERYONE!
JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF SERIOUS FUN AND SLEUTHING!
LOCATION: OSGOODE COMMUNITY CENTRE
JULY 11TH
DOORS AT 5:30 PM – EVENT STARTS AT 6:30 PM
ARRIVE EARLY FOR LIBATIONS AND GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN BY THE CASTLE GATE BY OUR EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER BETWEEN 5:30 AND 6:30 PM
TICKETS – $45 PER PERSON
(Please note this is an age of majority event so you must be 19 years of age or older)
TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
1. PLEASE CALL 613-443-9090 AND LEAVE YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER AND # OF TICKETS YOU WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE.
2. YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY OUR STAFF TO CONFIRM PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS AND ANY SPECIAL SEATING REQUESTS (I.E. TO BE SEATED AT A TABLE OF SIR XAVIER AND LADY YOLANDA OR TO BE SEATED AS FAR AWAY AS POSSIBLE FROM THE DUKE OF EARL).
3. FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE PROVIDED TO YOU AT THAT TIME.
We would like to recognize
COME ONE COME ALL!
Online ticket sales will operational in 2016 . Viscount W.E.B Master offers his sincere apologies for any confusion and inconvenience created this year. He will be duly flogged and thrown to the floor on numerous occasions during the festival.
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EDUCATION DAY
COME FORTH AND BE EDUCATED IN ALL THINGS MEDIEVAL
The Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival Education Day will be held on Friday, July 10th, 2015. This day is designed for children aged 4 to 14, and is packed with games and demonstrations on everything from chivalry and armour to medieval music and archery. Children may also get a chance to try their hand at using a trebuchet, catapults and stilts. Children will have the chance to tour up to ten stations throughout the day.
Medieval Dancing ∗ Arts & Crafts ∗ Shield Making ∗Tapestry Weaving Medieval Drumming ∗Archery ∗ Medieval Life ∗ Chivalry Juggling ∗ Blacksmith ∗ Armour ∗ Hawking & Falconry
When registering, you will be asked to rank the available stations in order of preference. We cannot guaranteed each child will get to participate in each of their chosen stations as there is limited room and the stations fill up fast. We encourage you to get your registration forms in early! Registered children will be assigned a group whom they will travel with throughout the day.
Doors open at 9am, with stations beginning at 9:30 am on July 10th. Children will rotate through the stations until 2:30 pm with a break in the middle lunch. You may bring your own brown bag lunch or take advantage of the food vendors on site. Shopping in Merchant Row is also available during the lunch hour. Please bring lots to drink, wear good shoes, sunscreen or umbrellas, rain or shine. The day will end with a live demonstration by the Knights of Valour – a group of professional knights on horseback.
This is a one day medieval summer camp that is fun, educational and costs a mere $6 per student and $2 per adult chaperone. The admission fee for the children covers their admission fee for Saturday or Sunday if they come back with a parent.
Advance registration is required!
Groups with over 20 children must provide $50 payment upon registration to reserve their spots (balance to be paid upon confirmation of numbers). All children must be accompanied by an adult (18 years of age or older) with a ratio of 1:8 for larger groups. Deadline for registration is July 3th, 2015. There are limited spaces available so get your registration forms in early. Parking is limited so car pooling is encouraged.
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Medieval Market
Our medieval market continues to grow each year with new vendors and new products and crafts ranging from armour and leather goods to home baked breads and herbs to face painting and jewelry. So visit the market and meet some very colourful people.
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KING’S KNIGHT MEDIEVAL PUB
(Party like it’s 1307!)
After several years of conducting the King’s Feast, we have opted for a change and in lieu of the Saturday night feast are going to have a Friday night party with live music and finger food to get everyone in the spirit for the festival.
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Hold that Drawbridge!!! On the Eve of Education Day a new contest has been introduced for this year’s medieval festival (and probably all future festivals as well). We now present to you:
THE KINGDOM OF OSGOODE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
RULES & REGULATIONS
1. Take photos at the medieval festival during the period 11-12 July 2015 and submit UP TO FOUR (4) of them by email to contests@osgoodemedievalfestival.com
2. All photos must be in good taste (no nudity or rude and obscene gestures) and the following information must be included: photographer’s name, address, phone number and date picture was taken.
3. Photos must be submitted NLT 23:59 Friday July 17th 2015 to be entered into the contest.
4. By submitting a photo, the photographer is also authorizing the Osgoode Medieval Festival use of that picture (with appropriate attribution to the photographer of course).
5. Once submitted, the photos will be judged by an august panel made up of Kingdom royalty and lesser persons. Prizes will be awarded for the top three photos, which will be posted on the Osgoode Medieval Festival website, festival Facebook page and Twitter. The prizes are 1st – $100 VISA Cash Card, 2nd – $50 VISA Cash Card and 3rd – $25 VISA Cash Card.
6. Winners will be notified by email NLT 22 July 2015 and arrangements made for the delivery of the prizes.
As an aside, response to this contest has been incredible which is why we have had to limit the number of entries per person to just four picture. The pictures that have been submitted thusfar are nothing short of spectacular and the judges are going to have a difficult time.
2015 WINNERS
1. Thanks to all who submitted photographs for this the first year of the photography contest at the Osgoode Medieval Festival. We will fine tune the rules for next year. Due to the awesomeness of all the pictures submitted, the royal authorities added a new category “Children” and have therefore awarded twice as many prizes.
2. Winners are as follows:
First Place ($100) – Suzanne Hawkins
Second Place ($50) Adam Frank
Third Place ($25) Wendy Rockburn
Honourable Mentions:
photo taken by Wendy Rockburn
photo taken by Michel Thérien
photo taken by Marc Mitchell
CHILDREN’S CATEGORY
First Place ($100) Andrea Jermacans
Second Place ($50) Marc Mitchell
Third Place ($25) Michel Thérien
Honourable Mention – photo taken by Jennifer Sutton
The winner of the four (4) ViaRail tickets from the OMF Survey draw is Paul Masaro of Osgoode. Congrats Paul and enjoy your trip on ViaRail.
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GREEN INITIATIVE
The Green Initiative is a relatively new program that was introduced in 2014 which aims to make the festival a more environmentally-friendly event. The Green Initiative will be implemented over several years – Phase 1 started in last year and in 2015 it is intended that:
♦ There will be a green presence at the festival as the Green Watch, led by Sir Eco of the Green, will encourage the villagers to make full use of the recycling bins
♦ Two “Watering Holes” will again be located on the festival grounds – one by the First Aid Tent and the second near the main tent. These water stations will provide drinking water for villagers to re-fill their water bottles. They were a big hit in 2014.
♦ Recycling containers for paper, plastic and aluminum will be set up in various locations within the walls of the Kingdom.
Everyone is encouraged to bring their own water bottle to the festival OR buy a festival water bottle for $3 – what a great and useful memento!
Sir Eco is seeking keen and motivated individuals to join the team and become an elite member of the Green Watch. The Green Watch is open to green-minded people of all ages and walks of life (yes we even accept Dothraki). You can wear your own costume if you wish but you will be provided with the cape of the Green Watch while you are on duty.
2013 WELCOME TO THE KINGDOM OF OSGOODE
Prithee peace friend,
You are cordially invited to enter into the Kingdom of Osgoode and attend the 6th Annual Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival which runs 13-14 July 2013.
As you may recall, on July 8th of last year, an armed insurrection led by the archers resulted in King Davis gallantly running away into the forest. His absence from the throne left our lovely Queen Andrea and infant Princess Vivian alone in the Kingdom. Sir Cedric (unknown to most in the Kingdom) was appointed Regent to govern until the Princess comes of age to rule.
King Davis the Undefeatable was last seen on Sunday, July 8th last year, running madly for the woods with angry archers and peasants in pursuit. When things got a bit hot under the collar during the closing ceremonies for our selfish and glutinous king, he bravely pointed to the west and yelled “Look! Squirrel!” to distract his enemies and then valiantly fled the scene, arms flailing. Archers and guards alike pursued him but as the sun set, they all returned empty handed. “I vow to find and restore my beloved king to the throne,” swore Captain of the Guard, Sir John the Intense. With this slick move the running royal - now known as King Davis the Fleet of Foot – has left the monarchy hanging in the balance. No royal blood courses through Queen Andrea’s veins, leaving the wee Princess Vivian in charge.
Thankfully, Queen Andrea’s distant relation, Sir Cedric the Slye (pronounced SEE-drick) has agreed to step in as regent, and he vows to destroy any King Davis imposters in his path. What has become of King Davis? Is Sir Cedrick even nastier than the previous ruler?
Find out, at the Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival…
2013 The 'Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival' held in the village of Osgoode with demonstrations of sword play, games, jousting, archery and sword play.
2013 Education Day
REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2014 EDUCATION DAY PROGRAM ARE NO LONGER BEING ACCEPTED. EDUCATION DAY IS FULLY BOOKED!!
The Kingdom of Osgoode Medieval Festival Education Day will be held on Friday July 12th 2013. This day is designed for children aged 4 to 14 and is packed with games and demonstrations on everything from chivalry and armour to medieval music and archery. The various stations that the students will get to participate in are:
1. Medieval Dancing 7. Shield Making
2. Medieval Drumming 8. Blacksmith
3. Bow Making 9. Archery
4. Armour and Chivalry 10. Music & Story Telling
5. Arts & Crafts 11. Medieval Medicine
6. Juggling
The passport the children will receive covers their admission fee for Saturday or Sunday if they come back with a parent. Arrival time to the festival is between 9 – 9:30 am on July 11th. Participants will rotate through the stations until 2:30 pm with a break in the middle for brown bag lunch or take advantage of the food vendors. Please bring lots to drink, wear good shoes, sunscreen or umbrellas, rain or shine. Shopping in Merchant Row will be fun! The day ends with a live demonstration by the Knights of Valour – a group of professional knights on horseback.
Children will also get to try their hand at using a trebuchet, catapults and stilts. A one day medieval summer camp that is fun, educational and costs a mere $6 per student and $2 per adult chaperone. We welcome large group reservations (ratio 1:8) as well. Advance registrations are required. Deadline July 5th, 2013. SORRY ALL FULL NOW!!!!