Yvonne Chen
Perhaps the horseback NJIT student dressed as Link was a foreshadowing of things to come. This Friday, NJIT will play host to an expansive Renaissance Fair, complete with jousters, entertainers and, of course, medieval-style food so authentic you must eat it with your hands.
With WJTB Radio’s medieval tunes setting the mood, take a seat on the Lower Green at noon to witness knights on live horses competing in a joust. Mr. and Mrs. NJIT will oversee the match, along with their court made up of talented NJIT student actors and actresses, starring a jester, town crier, the local drunk and others.
After screaming yourself hoarse cheering for your favorite knight, try your hand at caber tossing. When your muscles are crying for a break, move towards the create-your-own stations to decorate your very own crown and shield. Don’t forget to pick up a foam sword, and, if you are a commuter, one of 150 golden tickets that gives you $1000 off the price of a year’s housing plan. Residents have not been left out, though. A raffle will net two lucky students one semester’s worth of free housing, and two students one H meal plan each.
Once you are armed and ready for action, head over to the Upper Green to duke it out against your mortal enemies in blow-up jousting or battles in the bouncy castle. If you are looking for a less taxing experience, head to the hair-braiding station, after which you can dress up in medieval costumes and have your photo taken. The ever-popular horse ride and petting zoo make a reappearance as well.
If The Vector’s horoscopes aren’t clear enough, you can consult a tarot card reader or fortune teller to find out if the stars are aligned in your favor this week. As you wander around the fair, you will encounter roaming performers including stilt walkers, a sword juggler and a belly dancer who is also skilled in the arts of fire poi. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for members of Residence Life Staff, such as Karen Quackenbush (Assistant Director – Assignments) and Lynn Riker (Director of Residence Life), dressed in medieval garb and taking part in the festivities.
Students should note that GDS serviced stations will not be open on the day of the fair (make-you-own stations remain open). Instead, GDS will be moving operations to the Upper Green, where they will serve various finger foods such as turkey legs and baked potatoes. All who wish to feast on these tasty treats must purchase a wristband from GDS using a meal swipe, Flex points, or cash. The latter two will cost $8 if purchased in advance and $9 if purchased on the day of the event. Don’t hesitate, because these wristbands are free game for anyone. Students, staff, faculty, family and friends of NJIT are all welcome to come out and sample some renaissance fare.
This event would not have been possible without generous sponsorship from Residence Life, the Dean of Students Office, GDS and the Residence Hall Association. Come out to support their efforts and, who knows, a healthy show of interest could turn this into a yearly event!
Upper & Lower Green
Friday April 19, 11:30am-3:00pm
Rain date: April 26