By James Zoppe, Founder, American Jousting Alliance

The American Jousting Alliance welcomes people of all ages to come out and have fun 11 a.m. to sunset Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Frazier Mountain Jousting Tournament & Fair.

Bring your favorite people and favorite lawn chair to enjoy the mountains, festive atmosphere, friendly people, wonderful entertainment and exciting competitions with us!

The highlight of the day is the afternoon tournament, but other equestrian events will occur along with fun contests for the whole family. Archery, spear throwing, sack racing, ninepins, a seniors’ golf cart race and the “Fastest Feet on the Mountain” contests and races are open to the public.

Nature, craft and eco-tourism booths as well as food and beverage vendors will be open. See swordplay displays and dirt skiing demonstrations, musicians, martial arts demonstrations, animals and falconry.

Tait Ranch is on the south side of Frazier Mountain Park Road, just east of Frazier Park. Parking is free.

Admission: Adults 18 and over $10; youth 6-17 $5; children under 5 free

Contests

All contests below are open to the public. Sign in at entry.

Archery Contestants must bring their own traditional style bow and at least six target arrows. Contestants will be divided into age groups: 6-12 years, 13-18 years and 19 years and over (groups may be combined depending on the number of entrants). The winning archer in each age category will receive a quiver of six arrows.

Spear Throwing: Spears are provided by the American Jousting Alliance for this competition. First place winners in each age category will be awarded a throwing spear.

Sack Race: This three-legged race for parents and children ages 5-12 to enjoy. A parent/teen race will be organized if there is enough interest. The winning pair receive a $20 cash prize and a pair of American Jousting Alliance T-shirts.

Golf Cart Race: A drag race for our seniors! Contestants must be 65 or older and bring their own golf carts. Each race is 150 feet along the jousting list within the arena. Heats will eliminate racers through rounds until the last pair races for first prize. Contestants must wear safety helmets. Additional, but optional, safety equipment is encouraged (goggles, padded clothing, gloves, motorcycle leathers, etc.) The golf cart race grand champion will be awarded a $100 gift certificate to Mountain Custom Carts in Lake of the Woods.

Fastest Feet on the Mountain Series: A 100-foot dash pet race. The American Jousting Alliance recognizes and honors the bond we share with our horses—and we know that bond extends to all people and their pets. We welcome all pet owners to enjoy a little competition. Entrants may be of any age (pets, too!) and will be divided into two racing categories: pets under and pets over 50 pounds. Pets of all shapes and sizes may be entered, however birds are not allowed to fly over the finish line. Number of entrants determines number of elimination heats. All pets must be leashed at all times while on Tait Ranch property, including during the race. Pet owners are responsible for their own pet’s safety, cleaning up after their pet, and preventing any aggression towards other pets or the public. First place winning pair in each category will be awarded a $20 gift certificate to Tecuya Feed in Frazier Park.

Contact American Jousting Alliance at (661) 245-4000 or see www.JamesZoppe.com for details. Booth space is still available.

This is part of the September 19, 2008 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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