History of the Medieval Fantasy Festival
In Downtown Vacaville
            The first Festival was in Downtown Vacaville, CA on April 7-10, 2005.  It was begun to celebrate the author whose work inspired a whole genre of fantasy and the trilogy of films by Peter Jackson.  Peter Jackson brought them to life in a way that touched our lives.  The second Festival expanded in size and quality upon the work done the first year.  This Festival was held on April 21-23, 2006.  The date was moved with purpose to Earth Day weekend and incorporated an area of Green, Eco-Friendly Vendors.  This portion was consistent with the celebrated fantasy author’s vision.
            The name of the Festival was changed for the 2007 Festival to Medieval Fantasy Festival, subtitled An Earth Day Faire with a Celtic Flair.  We have kept the same vendor base with its wonderful craftspeople from the Renaissance Fair and Celtic Fair traditions, and vendors whose merchandise celebrates the world of fantasy.  The music appropriate to the first two festivals with a Celtic, Scandinavian, and Renaissance sound has been kept.
            There has always been a thoughtful aspect to the festival with forums and workshops.  In 2007 we had two special guests. Matthew Dickerson, author of Following Gandalf, and co-author of From Homer to Harry Potter, and Ents, Elves, Eriador and the Environmental Vision of J.R.R. Tolkien, led the forums on fantasy authors.  Joseph Cornell, author of Sharing Nature with Children, inspired those attending his workshop to a greater appreciation of nature. 
            The new name allowed us more freedom with the choice of décor, authors to celebrate, and characters to choose to bring the festival to life.  If you wish to come as a character from Narnia, Stardust, Spiderwick, or your favorite trilogy, you are welcome.

Thank you to our Volunteers and Sponsors from 2007.
Without your help the 2007 Festival would not have been possible.  If we have missed any names, please let us know so that they can be added.  Thank you.

Sponsors
          Downtown Vacaville Business Improvement District
          Mumze.com
          The Reporter
          S & J Advertising
          CropMarks/Jeremy Hodges

Friends of the Festival
            Bank of the West
            Barnes & Noble, Fairfield
            Costumes by Shirley
            Day to Remember / Handcrafters Gallery
            Hampton Inn & Suites
            Mary Cornelison Photography
            The Otter Nature Store
            Town Square Library
            Vacaville Sanitary

The Committee - Faithful Workers with Vision, Creativity, and Perseverance
            Betty Lucke, Chairperson
            Ann Young
            Bev Morlock
            Bob Vollmer, (Downtown Bob)
            Ed Huestis
            Jeremy Hodges
            Karen Harvey
            Kate Hitchcock
            Kevin Tolley
            Manda Brice
            Mark Stevenson
            Mary Ann Myers
            Martha Ann Williamson
            Mary Cornelison
            Nancy French
            Nicole Stevenson
            Paula O’Connor
            Shirley McGowan
            Sylvia Gregory
           
Supporters of the Festival
            Brenden Theater
            Creekside Restaurant
            Tri Eagle Beverages
            Chancellor Printing
            Costco
            Fresh Choice
            Hometown Buffet
            Jeff Raebold, Artistic Engraving
            Longs Drug Store, Monte Vista
            Los Reyes Restaurant
            Outback Restaurant
            Peet’s Coffee
            Pure Grains Bakery
            Steve Amphlett
            Torch of India
            U.S. Bank
            Wasserman Travel
            Winco Market

Activity Leaders
            Boyscouts from Troop 488
            Debbie Lopez
            Laura Napier
            Vaca High Art Students
            Angelina / Vaca High Drama Club
            Manda Brice
            Richard Gideon
           
Entertainers
            Aneesh Belly Dancers
            Avalon Rising
            Downtown Bob
            Lorico
            Lynn Larsen, Face Painting
            Phoenix Rising Irish Dancers
            Rats in the Haggis
            Shades of Green
            Stephan Barboza
            Sylvan Singers / David Barthelmess
            Will C. Wood Bellringers

Walkabout Entertainers
            Bailey
            Chris Shepard
            Christopher Wait
            Gina Marie
            ‘Hobbit’
            Jose Yanez
            Mike McGowan
            Nicole Stevenson
            Paint Your Dragon / Phillip Burgess
            Rex Adams
            Shirley McGowan
            Tootie Thompson
            Vann Dyke

Forum Participants & Speakers
            Matthew Dickerson
            Michael Torre
            Kevin Roddy
            Kevin Tolley
            Joseph Cornell

Earth Day Workshop Leaders
            Patricia Walsh, Barefoot Books
            Bev Morlock
            Denneal Jamison-McClung
            Al Moore
            Jeff Falyn
            Napa / Solano Audubon Society

Volunteers
            Bobbie Martinez
            Bonnie Rodda
            Cheryl Filarsky
            Craig Hassler
            Debbie Lopez
            Deni Harding
            Ellen Simonin
            Ginger Norman
            Inez Durbin
            Jema Hagerman
            Jim Wylie
            Judy St. George
            Kaye Rogers
            Lauren Filarsky
            Margie Vasconselos
            Marion
            Mary Betty Stevenson
            Mike Barber
            Mike McGowan
            Nicholas French
            Pat Sheehan
            Ralph Muelhenbruch
            Ray Posey
            Rick Lucke
            Sherene Chandler
            Todd Rewick
            Tom French
            Vicky Wylie

And Last, but not Least,
The DeFault ‘In the Rain’ Clean Up Crew
            Mark Stevenson
            Bob Vollmer
            Pat Sheehan
            Shirley McGowan
            Betty Lucke
(These positions on honor are open for bid for 2008!)