This weekend’s inaugural Michigan Nordic Fire Festival will feature fun and entertainment throughout the event.
Friday evening’s free community bonfire at the Sledding Hill area across from Lincoln Park will feature stage performances from Shahira Dance & Fitness, fire dancing troupe Thermogenesis, and musician Alan Gulick. Other fire dancers and performances are expected that evening as well.
During the day on Saturday at the Sledding Hill, there will be live entertainment with a medieval flair from the popular theatrical fighting group Swords of Valour at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Juggler Ric Carver will perform at 1 p.m. Disney Princess Merida from the movie Brave will be present throughout the day, with a special performance at noon. The Shahira Dancers will perform at 4 p.m.
Festival organizers are also expecting daytime appearances Saturday from Bjorn the Giant, the Society for Creative Anachronism and separate live action roleplay (LARP) groups. These performances are free and open to the public.
Saturday evening’s activities move downtown with two hours of festival entertainment at Windwalker Art Gallery from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Comedy improv duo Christian Smith and Chris Steel will host an evening featuring comedy, dancing and storytelling, along with a special Icelandic photo exhibit and presentation from Charlotte’s own Vincent Brady. Also performing will be Inna Phelps, the Habibi Dancers and Gypsy Raqs. These performances are also free and open to the public.
Capping-off Saturday’s festivities will be a night of Medieval Feast and Fantasy in a heated tent at Beach Market. There you will be able to eat and drink like a Viking with medieval fair prepared by Charlotte’s Rubber Biscuit bar and grill, along with historically accurate Scandinavian beers from Brighton, Michigan’s Brewery Becker. Mead, a wine-like beverage made from fermented honey, will also be available from Benton Harbor’s Black Dragon Meadery. There will be a modest cover charge at the Beach Market location, as well as charges for food and drink. Anyone drinking alcohol must present appropriate identification.
Article submitted by Michigan Nordic Fire Festival.
