Prithee, tell a tale about the Heartlands

Medieval combat is a lot like NASCAR. At least, that’s how it seemed to me every time I watch a particularly large tumble from a knight at Comanche / Gustine’s Heartlands Renaissance Festival last weekend.

The knights, beneath three or four layers of clothing, padding and metal wailed on each other with swords and axes during full combat until only one team had someone standing. Occasionally, the moderator/ref would yell and hold up a hand after someone went down and check to make sure they were still okay.

This was not immediately evident as they laid still with their head in a helmet. Once they made sure the fallen were okay, the clangs and scuffle would resume until the winner was declared and the defeated were helped to their feet in the heavy armor.

This was one of several displays on tap for Heartlands, a rare sight only 27 miles from Dublin.

Wyndi elected to dress up in a steam-punk outfit to fit in with some of the fantasy vibes the first-year faire is aiming for. She wasn’t the only one leaning into that as a shopkeep was sporting makeup and an antlers to resemble a faun as she peddled some handcrafted goods. A nearby musician, known as the Hero of Mime, played an ocarina while sporting a highquality merman tail. (This delighted one little girl in attendance as she exclaimed she “got to see real mermaid.” The performer, through his Scottish brogue, corrected that he was a merman.)

Vendors included excellent food from Twisted Oak Barbecue and pretzels and cakes from Dublin-based Ursi’s German Kitchen as well as a variety of knives (and knife-sharpening), clothing and apparel, handmade wands and more.

A petting zoo also allowed guests to visit with baby goats and ducks while the Heart of Texas Nature Center had a booth with Cal, the raptor occasionally showing off his impressive wingspan.

With the exception of the full armor combat, this medieval-style fun as well as jousting and other shows in the main arena are being held every weekend through April 14 at 14450 Highway 36 (on the right from Comanche to Gustine). The armored combatants remarked that although this was their only appearance at Heartlands for its first season, they hope to appear several times next year. It’s small but there is still a lot of fun for fantasy fans thanks to the planning and contacts of owner Nicholas Ochoa and other organizers.

Wyndi asked on the drive back what I imagined would happen if the event grew into something like Scarborough in Waxahachie. I said I think it would be great for the area and the potential is there for something fun to turn into something great as long as it finds the support. We’re planning at least one more visit before it closes this season on April 14.