The centerpiece of Central New York's summer is the Sterling Renaissance Festival, held in the tiny village of Sterling NY, right near the shore of Lake Ontario.
My reasons for visiting were entirely family related, as my son Doug is performing as a jouster twice daily, putting his competitors in mortal peril twice daily.
This is him, having just ridden out to greet the cheering crowd as they are chanting Doug-Lass Doug-Lass. Although the ground combat is choreographed, the jousts are not. The one that wins the joust is truly the victor. Unlike other shows, the lances that these combatents use are NOT designed to break. The sword strikes are not held back. This is full contact battle, reminiscent of those days of yore...
Also at the faire are comedians, musicians, jesters and wenches, and a fair number of ruffians and scoundrels. Don Juan and Miguel, with the lovely Esmeralda, is the longest running show, now in their 20'th year of laughter, whip and swordplay.
