By Tanya Steele
The annual medieval fair at Camelot Castle saw travellers from near and far pay a single gold coin to enter a world of reenactment and fantasy for a day in Yellingbo.
Yellingbo CFA, in collaboration with Woori Community House, Woori Yallock Bendigo Bank, and Camelot Castle, invited the community along to the unique, family-friendly experience on Sunday 9 February February.
Historical reenactment groups along with fantastical live action role players (LARPers) set up tents for the day and entertained crowds as they stepped back in time at the castle grounds, supported by regular everyday heroes, CFA from Yellingbo and Hoddles Creek.
Yellingbo CFA host the fair every second year and the event serves as the main fundraiser for their brigade and Junior Leader Coordinator from Hoddles Creek CFA Kristen Couzens said funds go towards stocking important equipment for Yellingbo.
“Yellingbo kindly invited the Hoddles Creek Juniors to come and run some children’s actives and offered them the opportunity to raise funds for their own activities,” she said.
“Our juniors helped Yellingbo members at the community education tent while also running the fire house and dunk bucket challenge.”
Volunteers stepping up for the dunk bucket challenge included Captains of neighbouring brigades, group officers and junior leaders, making it a fun collaboration for CFA across the region.
The event featured a bustling medieval marketplace showcasing local crafts and goods from the Upper Yarra Valley and people enjoyed the medieval-themed activity areas, Punch ‘n Judy puppet shows, face painting and live demonstrations.
CFA kept a sausage sizzle going as LARP groups from Swordcraft, Leongatha medieval village, Jomsviking, Baron of Krae Glas and more entertained crowds.
The day was a wonderful opportunity for the community to enjoy a unique medieval experience and support local initiatives.
