Penn College News

'Faire,' Fowl Intersect at Renaissance-Themed Fete

Friday, September 22, 2017

"Come sit you down and have a good laugh!" proved to be an invitation too good to decline, as the campus community enjoyed Dining Services' sumptuous Renaissance Feast this week in and around "The Grand Hall" that is the Capitol Eatery. From 4-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, the crowd partook of the costumed spectacle – jugglers and jousting, displays and demonstrations – and savored a menu that included carved turkey, beer-braised short ribs, roasted root vegetables, corn on the cob, mashed or roasted potatoes, and desserts.


– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor; and Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer


Joseph E. LeBlanc, assistant professor of physics, sells his chain-mail wares – appropriate décor for ravishing Renaissance regalia.

Joseph E. LeBlanc, assistant professor of physics, sells his chain-mail wares – appropriate décor for ravishing Renaissance regalia.

Fun while feasting! Diner Emma M. Mikulecky, a baking and pastry arts student from Williamsburg, brandishes a toy sword.

Fun while feasting! Diner Emma M. Mikulecky, a baking and pastry arts student from Williamsburg, brandishes a toy sword.

A meal fit for Renaissance royalty

A meal fit for Renaissance royalty

Eye-catching handiwork on display in the “courtyard,” AKA the Rose Street Commons lawn area

Eye-catching handiwork on display in the “courtyard,” AKA the Rose Street Commons lawn area

Spinning yarns: Members of the regional chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism share with students their knowledge of the era’s craft and culture ...

Spinning yarns: Members of the regional chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism share with students their knowledge of the era’s craft and culture ...

... who joins Danielle L. Parker (center), dining services worker, and McKinney in an attractive array of mealtime maidens.

... who joins Danielle L. Parker (center), dining services worker, and McKinney in an attractive array of mealtime maidens.

Be that a dragon on ye shoulder? Kiana C. Lougie brought along a yet-to-be-named friend she found at the popular Sterling Renaissance Festival in upstate New York. Lougie is a building construction technology student from Pittsford, N.Y.

Be that a dragon on ye shoulder? Kiana C. Lougie brought along a yet-to-be-named friend she found at the popular Sterling Renaissance Festival in upstate New York. Lougie is a building construction technology student from Pittsford, N.Y.

On hand to offer academic enlightenment (and in period-appropriate attire) is John F. Chappo, assistant professor of history/history of technology.

On hand to offer academic enlightenment (and in period-appropriate attire) is John F. Chappo, assistant professor of history/history of technology.

Fittingly dressed for the occasion, which coincided with International Talk Like a Pirate Day, is Jessica L. Cavanaugh, a health information technology student and substitute Dining Services worker ...

Fittingly dressed for the occasion, which coincided with International Talk Like a Pirate Day, is Jessica L. Cavanaugh, a health information technology student and substitute Dining Services worker ...

En garde! Suitably surrounded by caution tape, fencing enthusiasts cross swords on their cordoned turf.

En garde! Suitably surrounded by caution tape, fencing enthusiasts cross swords on their cordoned turf.

Amicably rival siblings – event organizer Susan M. Phillips, a Dining Services assistant manager, and Sherry A. McKinney, secretary to the director of student activities – battle in the jousting arena.

Amicably rival siblings – event organizer Susan M. Phillips, a Dining Services assistant manager, and Sherry A. McKinney, secretary to the director of student activities – battle in the jousting arena.

... including the turning of flax into textile versatility.

... including the turning of flax into textile versatility.

Berry-filled croustade tempts gourmands.

Berry-filled croustade tempts gourmands.