Take a short drive outside Greenville this weekend and be transported back in time to the amazing sights and sounds of village life circa 800.

The Alabama Medieval Fantasy Festival returns to its rolling verdant meadows and woodlands for a second year Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 17, 18 and 19.

“It’s shaping up to be a grand affair,” said co-owner of the festival, Nancy Johnson. “We have added four more musical acts this year, a total of 75 vendors and much more food—those 75 vendors do not include all the delicious fare that will be on offer this year!”

Johnson is excited about the faire’s expansion to three days from two last year, with Friday designated as  School Day for students, teachers and parents to visit and learn all about life as it was lived centuries ago.

“We have some wonderful new educational exhibits for 2017. Not only do we have our popular jousting exhibitions and the falconry show, we also have individuals well seasoned in the arts of demonstrating basket weaving, pottery, blacksmithing, glass blowing and soap making,” said Johnson. “There will be a skilled historic cook and bread maker, an artisan of chain mail—and a Norman encampment as well. All these individuals are excellent teachers who focus on how and why things were done back then, and how we still use some of that very same old-fashioned technology today.”

The festival will also offer a bountiful platter of comedy and theater, sword play exhibitions, rides, games, hand-crafted goods of all kinds, “truly something for everyone,” Johnson promises.

“We want to be able to offer true family friendly education and interactive entertainment.”

While the faire encompasses a broad swath of history from the Vikings to King Arthur and from Robin Hood through Queen Elizabeth, or about 800 – 1600 A.D., the ALMFF and its fantasy Kingdom of Dragon Croft, ruled by King Gregory and Queen Annwynn, is mainly set during the 9th century. Hundreds of costumed characters re-create the colorful hustle and bustle of a medieval marketplace. There are plans to expand the event each year, adding days and weekends to the faire as it continues to expand at its 30-plus acre site.

Last year’s inaugural event was deemed a success by its organizers, in spite of inclement weather making for a muddy weekend.  It appears Mother Nature will be kinder this spring.

“It’s foretold that we shall have a glorious weather for the faire this year, so come one and come all to Dragon Croft,” says Johnson.  Gates open at 10 a.m. daily at the faire’s 4776 Fort Dale Road location, approximately five minutes from downtown Greenville. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12; children under six get in free. Cash is recommended as the event is not yet set up for credit/debit cards.

For more information, including a daily schedule of events, visit their website at www.almff.com