Kingdom of Osgoode 2011

Kingdom of Osgoode 2011
Note: Once we have the time to do so, Graeme and Ron Hay will be posting Kingdom of Osgoode 2013 images here: Kingdom of Osgoode 2013 (Saturday and Sunday)

Again we travel back in time (and about 30 minutes south of Ottawa) to the Kingdom of Osgoode and their Annual Medieval Festival. (Location) This year there was a lot going on, from Song and Dance on the Main Stage and Real Live Sword-fighting and Jousting to a Real Hand Fasting Wedding. If all you want is a quick overview of the activities this year I did take video using my new Lumix GH2 camera and have compiled the shots into a short video of the event. To see the video, click on the next image.

So I’m going to start with what really makes this festival such a treat, and that all the people who come out in period clothing, they really make this a special treat.

Of course it is the 21st century and its always a bit of fun to see what creeps into the photos; mainly glasses (people like to see) and water bottles (because sun was out and it was hot outside).

I also had the chance to do some more “pose” type shots of the Steam Pixie from Verdigris grove. They make a lot of fea masks and enchanted looking trinkets. I did play around a bit with this photo using Magic Bullet Looks and Photoshop to try to get that “Steam Punk” look.

Some limited success, I should probably study art styles more. I tried to get this modern day robin hood character to look as menacing as possible.

Well that it for me and Photoshopping for this event… Next Up, Hand to hand combat, Thor demands it!

So the Chivalrous Sword-handling group put on a nice sword fighting display for the festival, it included a couple of live steel fights along with more foam based fights and melee.

This next photo is a crop from the melee, I don’t know about proper form or stance but this just looks cool.

Next some Political Punishment.

Councillor Thompson for the region apparently (willingly) signed up to be placed in the stocks. The mayor of Ottawa (Jim Watson) also showed up to cheer him on and get in on the pelting of wet sponges at the councillor, all in good jest mind you.

I also had the GH2 to take a video of the stockage, so please enjoy.

Of course afterwards Thompson had to throw some wet sponges as well.

Next I’ll cover the on-stage activities…