Medieval Festival, Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, Opens at Sands Point September 5 - 6, 12 - 13

Once again this September, the Sands Point Preserve will transport visitors back to the Middle Ages, complete with knights in shining armor, medieval archers and kings and queens, during the Medieval Festval, being held the weekends of September 5 - 6 and 12 - 13, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The festival, this year celebrating its 30th anniversary, is being presented by Medieval Scenarios and Recreations, Inc.

During the two weekends, the preserve's great lawn will take on the trappings of a Medieval village, with the imposing Castlegould and Hempstead House buildings providing the perfect architectural backdrops. Each day, the colorful festival begins with a procession of the royal court, followed by knights jousting on horseback with swords, maces and battle axes on the lawn behind Hempstead House. Visitors can also enjoy exhibitions of archery skill by Medieval bowmen, with members of the public invited to try their hand at this ancient sport. At the close of each day, there is a “storming of Castlegould” to free the captured queen, followed by a meeting of the royal court to determine the fate of the queen's kidnappers.

The historic atmosphere is enhanced with period entertainment, including instrumentalists, madrigal singers, a dance troupe and a traditional Maypole dance, as well as a Medieval-style puppet show performed by noted puppeteer Fred Greenspan. Other activities include a fashion show featuring the ornate costumes of lords and ladies, craftspeople demonstrating a variety of fine skills, games for children and adults and the opportunity for children to “fight-a-knight.”

During the Medieval Festival, all visitors to the Sands Point Preserve pay the festival admission of $10 for adults and $5 for children ages four to 12 (those under four are free with a parent). Falaise mansion and Hempstead House will be closed during festival weekends. 

Perhaps the most impressive of the North Shore’s early-20th-century estates, Sands Point first served as the home for railroad heir Howard Gould and was later purchased by Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. The 216-acre preserve, located by the Long Island Sound, is dominated by the massive Hempstead House but also includes a second mansion, Falaise. In addition to the homes, Sands Point has beautiful walking trails, wooded areas and a shoreline. It is located at 127 Middleneck Road in Sands Point, about six miles north of Long Island Expressway Exit 36 (Searingtown Road). For more information, call (516) 571-7900 or visit www.kingdomofacre.org.

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