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The 2018 edition of the Medieval Feast was sixth grade teacher Janelle Downs third feast celebration-the second time as the teacher in charge, the first time was as a student. Downs said before the event, "The Medieval Feast was one of the highlights of my sixth grade experience. That's one of the reasons I wanted to teach sixth grade, to share my experience with my students." She admitted it was a bit different as the teacher in charge versus as a student a few years ago. But, she's still very enthusiastic about the event and what the students learn from it.

For readers not familiar with the event, the Medieval Feast was first organized by now retired teacher Shirley MacKenzie. Students in the sixth grade learn world history. The medieval project involves research about castles of the period, then actually building a miniature castle with labelled parts and an historical name. The big event is the evening feast when students dress in period costumes and serve an authentic meal (pretty much) that might have been consumed back in the medieval period (5th to 15th century).

The castles are explained and period costumes modeled

At the entrance to the gym where the feast will be served each student's miniature castle is on display. Several students were already greeting guests and a couple took time to explain their castles and some of its significant attributes. Hallie Neibauer said, "I looked in several books about castles. I found one I liked, then modified the design a bit. I liked it because it looked cool." Her grandpa Pat Murdy taught her to use a power saw so she could make some of the more intricate parts of her castle.

Samuel Christensen built a structure he called Fairley-castle. Samuel strove for authenticity, even to the model he built which was based on the real Fairley-castle completed in 1486. He said, "My castle follows the design of the original castle. I wanted something authentic." Costumed as a knight, he conveyed the sense that the castle was secure.

Later I noticed a few "first time parents" who were comparing the castles their students did with some by more seasoned families. Some of these 'newbies' were comparing notes about materials used to build the castle and noting some tricks to making the whole thing stay together. Even the old-time parents, who've been through several seasons of the castle building, agreed "building a castle is a constantly evolving skill."

The costumes vary from drab and somber robes of the monks to tall caps with frilly ribbons worn by some of the ladies-in-waiting and the metal-like outfits of the knights. Teacher Downs explained, "The students can chose from a lot of costumes we've accumulated over the years and have available at the school. Some students buy a new costume then donate it to the school. Most of the costumes are handmade."

Parents Tammy Edwards and Karla Neibauer said, "This is the last year for us. Our youngest kids are done and we won't be doing the medieval feast, castles or costumes anymore." Between the two of them they had put seven kids through the process. Asked how she felt about the experience, Karla said, "Oh my gosh. It's been a lot of fun. It was the highlight of the sixth grade for my kids."

Asked how much parental input was necessary, they agreed, "every kid has their own approach. Some want to do it all on their own, others might need a little push." Even though it was their "last supper," the two moms were still upbeat about what their kids had learned from the project over the years.

The feasting begins

First King Darin Hannum (the Chinook Schools Superintendent is always the king) and his court entered and took their places at the head table. This was accompanied by a trumpet herald. Then each student, who had chosen a medieval name manor where they lived, entered after being presented by a special announcer. Once all were seated the feast was served, by course, by the sixth graders to their families and the royal head table.

Over the years of the sixth grade feast a somewhat standardized menu has evolved and this year's did not vary from it significantly. First remove (or course) was bread and barley soup. Second remove was roast suckling pig, medieval coleslaw, apecius carrots, honey-sweetened apples and turmeric rice. Third remove was apricot apple tarts, all victuals fit for royalty.

Meadowlark sixth grader Samuel Christensen, costumed as a knight in armor, shows where the king of Fairley-castle would stand on the balcony of the "keep" (the royal residence) to address his subjects. The model was based on a real castle completed in 1486.

Just before the feasting began King Hannum called several students to the front of his royal court. As a group they pledged, to the king, to always stand up for what was right and redress wrongs. Then they individually knelt before the king and received knighthood for their service to the kingdom. Teacher Downs said later that students could earn knighthood by engaging in a number of chivalrous activities and demonstrating "knightly" qualities. The qualifying activities were all certified in writing by adults.

While dining the guests were entertained by two jesters-costumed girls who walked around telling funny jokes or stories. Aislinn Handy asked, "What did the medieval warriors write on the gravestones of their fallen comrades who were always buried in their armor?" She paused a moment for dramatic effect, then gave the answer: "Rust in peace." The jesters did a couple of short skits during the meal and the elementary band students provided background music for the event.

Now past its silver anniversary

With more than a quarter century of history behind it, the medieval feast and its surrounding activities, seem to have a momentum of their own. Now sixth graders whose parents built the castles, wore the costumes and served the feast are experiencing the middle ages, just like their parents. And from what I could see as an outside observer, everyone still loves doing it.