A dark, menacing figure approached a young, cherubic-faced child who was apprehensively holding a gold-colored ring Saturday on the sidewalk of Vacaville’s Main Street. The black-cloaked and hooded figure said nothing as he stood stoically with one armored hand on his sheathed sword – ready to take the ring. The barefooted child – dressed positively hobbit-like with dark curls framing his face – and not sure whether to flee or fight, asked the same question that the character he was portraying may have asked. [More]
Category: Meet Ups
Vacaville, CA – Hear ye! Hear ye! On April 21-23, 2006, the second annual Middle Earth Festival will come to life in historic Downtown Vacaville to celebrate author J. R. R. Tolkien and “The Lord of the Rings”. This fun-filled family event includes a fun run and forums on the themes of Tolkien. Saturday and Sunday activities include craft and merchandise vendors, entertainment, and games for the kids, demonstrations of old time skills, music, dance, fantasy and abundant food. Take part in one of many trivia contests or enjoy the antics of the Gollum impersonation contest, and seek the best costumed elf, dwarf, hobbit and other dwellers of Middle Earth! Admission and most festival activities are free. [More]
Among the medieval entertainers, hawkers and vendors at the Middle Earth Festival in Downtown Vacaville on April 22 & 23, there will be a surprise – a Green, Eco-Friendly vendor area. Visitors will discover advanced technology vehicles such as the Honda Civic GX (dedicated compressed natural gas) and a unique home refueling appliance on display.
J.R.R. Tolkien was not a fan of the internal combustion engine, but he did care for the good, green, clean earth. In that spirit, there will be information on recycling, environmental education, and clean air. Pending are demonstrations of all-battery electric vehicles. This includes the NGM (no more gas) vehicle formerly known as The Sparrow, a single passenger, three wheeled electric vehicle.
A City of Vacaville representative, Ed Huestis, will be on hand with the green vendors. Mr. Huestis is the Transportation Systems Manager who oversees the city’s electric and compressed natural gas vehicle programs. He will have information on the incentives available for clean air vehicles.
On Saturday, which is Earth Day, staff from the city’s recycling, and environmental education programs will have activities for children.
The Middle Earth Festival, a unique celebration of J.R.R. Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings, will have arts, crafts, and merchandise vendors, entertainment, food, games for the kids, contests, and music. There will also be forums on the themes of Tolkien, a Troll Stroll, and Demonstrations of Old Time Skills. There is no admission charge for this family oriented festival. Most activities are free.
For more information on the green eco-friendly aspect of the festival, please contact Betty Lucke at (707) 448-1021 or Ed Huestis at (707) 449-5424. For general information on the festival, go to www.middleearthfestival.com or contact the Downtown Office at (707) 451-2100.
Isabel writes: Here is some info on a LOTR Trilogy screenin at the Arlington Cinema n’ Drafthouse (in Northern Virginia): Watch for your favorite Movie or stay for ALL THREE. Enjoy Lord of the Rings again on the BIG SCREEN! The Festival is open all day, please feel free to come at any time. We encourage you to come dressed as your favorite character. [More]
When: Sunday, April 30th, 2006 from 12PM to 10PM
Price: $7 ($8 at the Door)
Celebriel wrote to tell us about The Tolkien Friendship Society’s March 25 Gondorian New Years Celebration. The group of about 15 regulars is based in Northern California and meets monthly for dinner, costuming, conversation, and contests. Recent event themes have included a Dol Amroth banquet, an Oxford Tea, Tolkien’s Lovers (for Valentine’s Day), and a pub night. The group’s next meeting will be at the Vacaville Middle Earth Festival the weekend of April 21-23. [More]
Nancy writes: I just wanted to let you know that CinemaWorld, in Lincoln, Rhode Island is showing the LotR films individually for the next few weeks, and will have a TRILOGY screening starting at noon on April 15th. [More]