Fire in the Shire in Alma on June 6th

A longsword demo by the Wisconsin Historical Fencing Association | Photo by Nicholas J. Narog Photography

Visit Alma, Wisconsin on Saturday, June 6th from 10am-4pm for Castlerock Museum’s annual Fire in the Shire event, a citywide celebration of all things medieval.

The highlight of the day will be the various fighting demonstrations taking place on the street in front of the museum. Kazimir the Hungry will be breathing fire and swallowing swords at 10am, 12:50pm and 3:10pm. The Wisconsin Historical Fencing Association will demonstrate the longsword at 10:30am, rapier dagger at 11:40am, the quarterstaff and poleaxe at 1:20pm, and Messer / sword and buckler at 2:30pm. Visitors can learn about Armor through the Ages at 11:10am. New this year, Asfolk Viking Martial Arts will be doing sword, shield, and spear demos at 12:20pm and 2pm.

There will be ongoing displays by Clann Tartan, A Life Medieval, and Hangin’ with the Bard in the museum courtyard. Clann Tartan will do a pike demo at 11:30am and a non-firing matchlock demo at 1:30pm. Bardmageddon will perform in the museum theater at 12:30pm and 2:30pm and One Eye Dave’s Hotdogs will provide concessions. The museum closes at 4pm.

Admission wristbands are $8 for adults and $5 for students. Visitors in ancient, medieval, or renaissance era dress get $2 off and children four and under are free.

Visitors interested in searching for the fabled “Holy Grail” in the shops of the shire can enter a drawing to win the treasured artifact along with $100 Alma Dollars. The drawing will be held at 3:40pm at the Castle. Participating businesses include Alma Public Library, Fire & Ice, Alma Leather, W Whiffs, Water Lily Gifts, Wings Over Alma, Happy Hub, Alma Bakery, Stump Town Gallery, Big River Theatre, Riverside Bait & Liquor, Alma Chiropractic & Wellness, Unparalleled Farms, and Garden Gate.

The Midwest Renaissance Actors Guild will be on Main Street and the Big River Theatre will be running cartoons throughout the day with a performance by Kray Van Kirk (Folk Americana/Celtic Music) at 7pm. Check out the museum’s Facebook page for the latest event info.

Media release.