October 29, 2007 by Stacy McDonald
Reformation Day Faire 2007!
Here are two of the most handsome Reformers you’ll ever meet! This picture was taken before my sweet William decided his hat was a dreadful encumberence!
Do lovely young maidens grow on trees? Well, they seemed to (with a little help from some curlers) at this year’s Reformation Day Faire! Here are some getting ready before the event.
Yes, there were plenty of fierce young men to guard our sweet maidens!
The local news team showed up. You can watch it here.
The crowd gathered for the dramatized reenactment of Lady Jane Grey’s plight before her execution. We were also blessed with the presence of Martin Luther. He shared with us a taste of what life was like for him during the 16th century.
Of course, the day wouldn’t have been complete without the joy of historic dancing.
These are the Riggenbachs. Everyone was invited to have their family portrait made. The Riggenbach’s costumes were stunning – and made from scratch! Right down to the hand beading! Lily’s and Gretel’s headpieces were exquisited – Karen’s was nice too. ;-)
Stacy and Karen discuss the purpose of hand beading. Stacy wonders how sane people could possibly live through such an experience.
Little girls learn to spin!
And make soap…
The McDonald family all in one place – with everyone looking at the camera – oh yeah, there’s Virginia Grace. Never mind.
Talk about talent! Mr. Price did more than draw caricatures, which is what I was expecting! He drew amazing sketches of those who could sit still long enough! I heard later, my daughter, Abigail, left Mr. Price to “finish her hair” while she went to join in the dancing. Sorry, Mr. Price!
I was amazed at the interest in this event. We had some who were very good shots!
We received this great review the day after the event from a family in our community who joined us! I thought her perspective was encouraging! Don’t forget to join us next year!
Here’s my report on the awesome Reformation Faire. I would begin with a heartfelt thanks for all the hard work of Providence Church. We will definitely be making next year a priority to attend once again.
Our boys raved about how much fun they had. Unfortunately, my middle son IS trying to sell us all indulgences today. :-) What I really appreciate is how much they learned about Martin Luther and the Reformation. These events will never be repeated in world or church history and deserve to be remembered. I would offer a recommendation that each of your families consider making next year’s faire (Nov. 1, 2008) part of your family calendar.
Be sure to watch Pastor McDonald’s blog for a suggested book list for next year’s faire on John Knox and the Scottish Reformers. This event honored the 31st of October, the date that Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of Christ Church in Wittenberg, Germany. They had set up several booths to portray the streets of Wittenberg 400 years ago. There was candle making, a wood worker, bead jewelry, a print maker, soap making, and several others. Many hands-on activities for the children!
Then we had a German potluck with dishes from the 1500s, followed by a “church service” about the 1500′s and the life of Luther – featuring a short play, several hymns, and a speech from “Martin Luther” (Pastor McDonald was very convincing in his 16th century garb.)
They had an archery demonstration and some games, too. James’ best friend, Wesley, went with us and was put in the stocks for trying to sell “indulgences” – a written paper from the Pope absolving one of sin and promising that one would not spend any time in purgatory. This was apparently a practice in the 1500′s for a representative of the church to sell indulgences in order to raise money for church building projects.
John and Whitney Creath (homeschool grads and soon-to-be parents) enjoying Luther’s testimony
Costumes are not required. But, lots of folks were dressed in 16th century clothing. NOTHING inappropriate or immodest! You will not have any such worries at this faire! Hope you’ll all consider this as an event that your family is sure to enjoy next year!
Thanks for your review, Hope!
If anyone who attended has more photos to share, please let me know! Or if you posted pictures from the faire on your own blog, send me a link!
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9 Responses to “Reformation Day Faire 2007!”
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HOW FUN!!!!
Our church, Covenant of Grace in San Antonio, will be celebrating the Reformation on Wed. Our family looks forward to this each year.
Great photos and AMAZING costumes! WOW! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for such a wonderful Faire! We drove over 2 hours and the drive was well worth it. The children had fun spinning yarn, watching the sketching, learning how printing was made, playing games, and most of all the boffer war!
We adults enjoyed watching the children have fun and be welcomed by the children of the church. They are still talking of the friendship they made.
The weather was beautiful and the fellowship sweet!
We are looking forward to next year,
The Ryken’s
Daniel, Sheri, Justin, Jesica, Ashly, Josiah, Cara, Mathias, and our wee one yet unborn
Dear Stacy,
That looks like an absolute blast, how special that you all took the time to organize such a memorable event for families to attend!
I loved ‘Raising Maidens’ and just ordered a copy of ‘Passionate Housewives’ and am anxiously awaiting it’s arrival! Thanks for continuing to minister to families.
Sincerely,
Lisa Winton
(p.s.–imagine my surprise when I clicked over here and found that I have not only chose the same blog template that you have, but I also have a quote from Martin Luther as my header! :o) )
Your Reformation Day Faire looks like a delightful event. It would be a great blessing for more churches to participate in having similar Reformation Days. May God abundantly bless you!
Wow!! That looks so amazing! I guess I am wondering two things: one, how far do we have to drive to get there next year (where was this?), and two, how can we replicate something like this in other areas of the country? That is, where did you all get the ideas, costume patterns, etc etc????
I would love to know more!
Blessings,
Keri
Stacy,
We’ve decided that only sane people realize that it takes hand beading to achieve such “exquisite” results.
Sanely,
Karen
Wow, have far Providence has come in celebrating Reformation day. I wish I could have been there. Oh, well… Michigan is a little far.=) The first time we had it at the C’s and had a bon fire. I don’t know if that was the greatest way to celebrate the Reformation! =D
Our family had a wonderful time at the Faire and will look forward to this annual event (no pressure!)
Your church family was so gracious and welcoming to us “northerners”. Thank you again for a great day!
The Yens
Do you have pictures of the Jane Grey re-enactment? She was truly a martyr for the faith!