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Immersive event a hit, Sherwood prepares for Yuletide
MCDADE — Nearly 500 adventurers transformed Sherwood Forest Faire’s medieval village into the mystical realm of Hynafol earlier this month, engaging in a fully immersive live-action roleplaying experience.
The five-day-long grand gathering in McDade brought epic battles, intricate quests and camaraderie to life, creating an escape into a world of wonder, attendees said. As the Sherwood Forest Faire grounds prepares for its Celtic Yuletide Festival in two weeks, the success of Hynafol highlighted its growing reputation as a haven for fans of fantasy.
“An event like this gives people the chance to be human for five days,” said Jordan Gwyther, Hynafol executive director and co-owner. “Here, you’re just a person, and peo- ple take you for what you are.”
Hynafol, now in its third year, immersed participants in a living, ever-evolving fantasy world where everyone became a character in the story. Unlike traditional festivals, there were no spectators — just players in the “giant meta game.”
Participants aligned with guilds, from pirate clans to military orders, bartering and earning an in-game currency, traded in at the bank for “actions” that fueled
See HYNAFOL, Page 9 authenticity and the connections formed within its community.
“This is a human place,” Gwyther said. “Be yourself, just be the best version of yourself. You find out most people are kind, empathetic and a lot of fun.”
The freedom to help build a universe also allows participants the chance to express themselves in ways that everyday life often doesn’t, said one leather-clad tradesman, breaking character for just a moment.
Breaking attendance records, Hynafol’s continued success is in part due to the enthusiasm of both visitors and organizers, according to the team.
“The people, the family that is this place, help ensure that everyone has a good time,” Minchew said. “A lot of people are talking about it. They go to other events, talk about this one, and they hear how good it is.”
It’s this shared commitment to making the experience memorable that keeps attendees coming back year after year, Minchew added.
Building anticipation for Yuletide
As Hynafol wrapped up, excitement among fairgoers began brewi ng for Sherwood’s next major event, the Celtic Yuletide Festival, scheduled for Dec. 13-14.
Bumping the date back from September to avoid Texas heat, the seasonal celebration brings out thousands for a specialized music festival and Scottish highland games showcase.
This year, the music portion of the event will sport a lineup of renowned bagpipers, harpists and an appearance from PLANTEC, a French Celtic band mak ing thei r U.S. debut, while the athletic side will host f ierce compet it ion, i nc ludi ng highland games world champion Michael Dickens.
With Hynafol capturing imaginations and Yuletide promising festive cheer, according to organizers, McDade’s Sherwood Forest continues to be a place where fantasy becomes reality and community thrives.
Visit sherwoodforestfaire. com for more information and ticket details.
