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side·track (sīd´trăk): n. 1. A diversion from the main course. 2. A detour taken with children that you would never, ever take without them.
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Who:
Me, my husband and the ever-knightly and chivalrous Sir Chet.

What:
The Burg Lichtenberg Mitteralterfest.  Burg Lichtenberg, in Kusel, Germany (also known to the Americans in this area as “Kusel Castle”), is the largest castle ruin in the country of Germany.  Twice a year, they host a Medieval Festival and Market.

Why:
We thought the boy would like it.  But I’ll also admit that we were keen on going, too.  What can I say?  It’s Fest season in Germany.  And we’ll take any opportunity to enjoy the warm weather, grab a beer and eat some meat off the bone.

But the real appeal here is the people watching.  I’m going to make a terrible stereotype here – but when Germans decide to do something, they really commit.  There is no halfway.  And Medieval dress-up is no exception.  Forget that crazy chick who headed up the Society for Creative Anachronism at your college.  Most of your average, everyday Germans have a complete Medieval outfit, complete with leathers, to put her crushed velvet skirt and black cape to shame.  And they have no reservations about putting it on even when it’s 88 degrees outside.

The Low Point:
The smell.  It was a hot day and very crowded.  And sitting next to a guy whose been sitting in the sun for a few hours wearing three inches of leather and no deodorant is almost enough to put you off your mead.  Almost.

The High Point:
I must repeat myself:  the people watching.  Everyone was spirited, committed and having a lot of fun.  It was great to see Chet give himself up to the carnival atmosphere.  The Medieval singers were fun as were the faux jousters and sword fighters.

The Kid’s Take:
“Climb tower again?”  Burg Lichtenberg is close to our house and we venture there often.  So even with the festivities, Chet wanted to do the usual stuff.  Explore the ruins.  Climb the tower.  Run amok.  The crazy people in the costumes were just gravy.

The Bottom Line:
I wholeheartedly recommend any German Mitteralterfest.  There are lots of fun crafts, Middle Ages activities, great people watching and freely flowing beer.  And with an entry fee of 5 Euro for adults (free for kids) and beers at 2 Euro a pop, you are looking at fairly inexpensive entertainment.  What more could you ask for from a family outing?

July 20th, 2009 | by Kayt Sukel 4 comments