'The Brass Ring Thing' returns

The 14th annual Renaissance Festival presented by the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, June 7, will awaken interest in medieval games, arts and crafts, and entertainment.

"The Brass Ring Thing- XIV" celebrates the origin of carousels and the brass ring tradition in the Medieval time period when simple, wooden logs were suspended from turning arms on a pole. Knights "rode" around the pole on the logs throwing lances through a brass ring for target practice. Eventually, these rides were enlarged to carry decorated gondolas and carved wooden horses as a means of entertainment for royalty.

Members of the Carousel Society and the Society for Creative Anachronism dressed in period costume will present demonstrations and family-oriented games and activities. Artisans will demonstrate weaving, spinning, lace making, pottery, woodcarving, hand scribing, chain mail making and more. Tournaments will include fencing and armored combat. There will be equestrian skills, thrown weapons and archery demonstrations.

Arts and crafts activities and numerous medieval games will entertain the children.

All activities will take place rain or shine on the grounds of the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum at 180 Thompson St., North Tonawanda. An admission fee of $8 will include admission to the Carrousel Museum and the new Kiddieland rides. One ride ticket will also be included.

Call 716-693-1885 or visit www.carrouselmuseum.org for directions and information.