Sophomore Jacob Petrie takes a deep breath, staring at the target. Touching the axe to the middle of his shoulder blades, he places one foot against the wall in front of him and rocks back, catapulting the projectile. With one rotation and a thud, he buries it in the middle of the shield.
Social studies teacher Shelene Anderson’s World History Class went on a field trip to the Scarborough Renaissance Festival on April 30. This was the second of two trips Ms. Anderson has taken, the first one being to Medieval Times on Dec. 12.
“The fair is a family-friendly, safe environment and my kids are pretty responsible, smart people,” Anderson said. “You have to trust that they’ll do the right thing and they understand that they will deal with consequences from me if they screw up.”
Scarborough is a 35-acre, closed ‘village’ on a 167 acre site with an entrance gate barred by security. Wristbands are provided to keep out any unwanted visitors.
“My classes work hard and they deserve some opportunity for some fun,” Ms. Anderson said. “This is a way I can give them the opportunity for a little down time in a fun, educational sort of way.”
Scarborough contains multiple mini-game style booths consisting of archery, axe throwing, and more. There are also an elephant and camel available to ride.
“I got two axes stuck in a shield,” Petrie said. “It made me feel like a man.”
Scarborough Fair also contains a haunted house and multiple shops where people can buy renaissance themed items like armor, old age apparel, and art.
“Everyone was yelling at me to buy their stuff,” Petrie said. “It was five bucks to swing on a swing.”
Signature food items are a fan favorite at Scarborough, which include sausage on a stick, giant turkey legs, and a “Royal Scottish Egg”.
