Renaissance Fest in SE Iowa

Some critics accuse Iowa of being behind the times. This weekend, a villagein southeastern Iowa will be hundreds of years behind the times. The VanBuren County town of Bonaparte (bone’-apart) will be transformed into theWybreg Village Renaissance Festival. Brock Wommack is president of theRenaissance Foundation. He’s of course referring to Queen Elizabeth TheFirst, played by an actress. Many other historic figures will be wanderingthrough the festival, including Sir Walter Raleigh, roving minstrels,storytellers and even a Troll. Wommack says there will be horseback joustingby knights in armor, jugglers, ropewalkers, puppet pageants, stilt-walking,Celtic balladeers and lots of medieval-style food. The festival is underwaytoday and tomorrow — and the following two weekends. For more information,surf to “www.renfound.org” or call the Renaissance Foundation at888-243-4340.