KAlternberg Jousting competition promises fun for the entire family
Peasants and nobles will emerge from the past to mingle with modern folk at the Kaltenberg Jousting Tournament July 2-4, 9-11, 16-18. This annual festival features a medieval market, where merchants peddle their wares — plastic armaments, princess crowns, jewelry and handicrafts. Time travelers can sample food, ranging from suckling pig to potato fritters with applesauce, and beer from one of many vendors while watching the musicians and entertainers. The highlight of the Kaltenberg festival is the joust. In this year’s match, Merlin the Magician returns to present King Arthur’s famous sword Excalibur to the winner of the tournament. Legend says the knight who gives Excalibur to the Lady of the Lake will be granted mystical powers. First, though, the knight must prove his worth through a series of trials, which Merlin has customized for each contestant. For example, because Orgier the Dane previously ran in fear when his village was burnt to the ground, Merlin has determined he will fight fire. Since Sir Lancelot once fell in love with King Arthur’s wife, Queen Guinevere, he must combat Amazonians. The knights must also fight one another and the mysterious Black Knight before winning the sword. After the joust, the children take over the arena for their own tournament. Both afternoon and evening shows are offered. The market opens at 11:00 and the jousting begins at 15:00. The market re-opens at 16:00 and round two of jousting begins at 20:00. For more information, call (08193) 933 100 or visit the Kaltenberg website at www.kaltenberg.com/kaltjoust/index.html.