A Medieval Knight's Tale in Norman
Posted on 09. Apr, 2009 by Goode Fellow in Local, Offbeat
“The Medieval Fair of Norman was the first medieval or renaissance fair in the state and is one of a few FREE medieval fairs in the nation!”; according to Dennis ‘Magic‘ Miller, proprietor of ‘Regal Boots & Leather‘ located at the 33rd annual Medieval Fair in Norman, Oklahoma.
It is rare that you can find such fun and entertainment for free anywhere in the country – let alone something this big. But the entrance fee to the renaissance, or better to say – Medieval Fair of Norman, Oklahoma is just that – free to the public. And what a great time is was!
Kings and Queens, Knights & Jesters were out in full regalia during this three day event which brings out tens-of-thousands of people. Saturday proved to be the best day for chivalry & mayhem with temperatures reaching into the 80′s.
Events of the Day
My day started out early because I had heard that this medieval event was very busy and parking would be a problem later in the day. So, in order to get a feel for the event – I donned my pirate’s bandanna, a sash like the kind Porthos wore in the movie “The Three Musketeers”, and I wore a wooden short sword (which my son let me borrow). Not exactly the best costume – but I figured that it would do in a pinch.
Oh, and by the way – costumes are not required – but they are fun!
Since I arrived early, I was able to look around a little before the crowds arrived, and believe me – they did arrive. There were vendors and booths of everything relating to medieval times (and some things not related to medieval times), that you could imagine.
One of the first shoppes that I checked out was called “Renscout’s Roost – Medieval Knives and Swords“, and I was very impressed by the selection of knives, swords and daggers available. There were recreated swords of Excalibur, Robin Hood’s sword, the sword of William Wallace, and what is believed to be the sword of King Conan. I had an opportunity to speak with Mark Cress the owner and he told me that they do the renaissance fair every year and that it is always a great time. Their office is located locally in Moore, Oklahoma and if you would like more information about their company or products, you can visit their website at: Renscout.com. It has a sampling of their many products available for viewing.
Another booth that caught my attention was a leather goods booth called: “Regal Boots & Leather”, makers of fine Italian leather medieval boots, pirate boots, all styles of renaissance boots, leather vambraces, leather baldrics, manacles and an assortment of accessories. The owner – Dennis ‘Magic’ Miller, who came down from Ohio, travels the United States year round working the renaissance and medieval faires. Regal Boots & Leather can be reached online at: Regalboots.com
Primitive Origins – This shop was another unique booth that captured my attention (see pictures below). The owner makes dragons as you can see and the designs and details were exquisite. Even if you are not into dragons you can appreciate the craftsmanship of these beauties. Unfortunately they do not have a website but they do travel to quite a few medieval fairs throughout the country and especially in the northern Midwest (because the come from Minnesota), or you can email them at: primitiveorigins@frontiernet.net
Photo Gallery
Here are just a few pictures from Saturday’s event. Click on the photos for larger images.
Just like Heidi, we too have had some serious issues with Dennis “Magic” Miller. We purchased a pair of boots this year “off the rack”, but after a few weeks of wear the leather split. After agreeing to replace the boots, Dennis no longer answers calls or returns messages. I have to agree about the bad business practices.
After this experience, not only could I not recommend Regal Boots to anyone, I would actively encourage them to take their business elsewhere.
hello heidi im one of magics managers and i would like to tell you im very sorry and i will get your order to you asap please email me as soon as possible with all your info and exactly what you ordered
shawn
the_boot_guy@yahoo.com
I know Dennis”Magic” and this year has handed him a few problems.
If you did a special order with Dennis get in contact with him I know him and his crew they will always take care of the customer.
If you have problems getting ahold of him contact me I will look into it.
Customer Service Is what Regal Boots believes in.
Another picture of a “Primitive Origins” dragon showing a bit more detail is at this cut/paste url:
http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/nphotos_stream/Medieval%20Fair%20Norman%202009/medfair1020.jpg
Some 100+ photos at a photobucket site
http://s640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/nphotos_stream/Medieval%20Fair%20Norman%202009/
Or the flickr page
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=norman+medieval+fair+2009&w=all&s=int&referer_searched=1
I’m glad you really liked Dennis “Magic” Miller. I agree he is a nice fellow but also someone who just took my money on a special order. I never received my product after 6 months. After I spoke with him on the phone about my special order he assured me that I would receive it soon. He did tell me he was having some personal problems and I understand that. Now he just won’t return my calls. Very bad business practices and false advertising on his website, since he can’t please this customer. The sad part is that it was a gift for a friend that had her arm mauled by a dog and the vambrace would have looked much better than what she is using now..So would I recommend him to a friend..NO. I want my money or my vambrace.