By TR Robertson Photos by Brian Robertson
Vista’s Gas & Steam Engine Museum was the place to be over the weekend as hundreds and hundreds of people took advantage of nice weekend weather to take part in all of the activities provided at the 23rd Annual Vista Viking Festival. Many of those in attendance wore a variety of costumes depicting what they thought might be Viking wardrobe and indeed, there were some unusual and creative outfits on display. This year’s festival’s theme is “The Year of the Valkyrie”; “honoring the strength, courage, and dedication of the women who have shaped not only Viking history but also our festival. Returning to the Gas & Steam Engine Museum grounds, those attending the festival took advantage of increased parking areas at the Museum, Guajome School, and at Vista High School where shuttle service was provided. The new official sponsor of this year’s festival is Monster Energy and their new Viking Berry drink. Prohibition Brewing Company provided a new Viking-themed brew, Valkyrie Whisper, a Lingonberry Seltzer, along with their Asgard Ale.
The Viking Festival has an array of activities, performances, vendors, and food & drink selections to choose from. Those attending could purchase tickets to use for food, beverages, beer & more. You could use cash or card for food purchases but you could only use tickets to purchase beer or mead. Only tickets were accepted to take part in the weapons range activities or the Youth Pavilion activities. Many people wandered around the Viking encampments speaking with the different Guild members. Many watched the combat demonstrations, shopped in the Vendor Village, watched participants in Highland strength competitions and watched various Norwegian art, weaving and woodcarving demonstrations. Throughout the day, on the Songrbryggia Entertainers Stage, various groups performed including Damekor, Silk Button Butchers, Ratio, Highland Way, Blindfold Monks, and Occupier. Interspersed with this, people learned about Viking traditions, culture and folk tales from a variety of Storytellers. On a second stage Storytelling was throughout the day and music groups played as well.
In the Vapnhus Weapons Range, lots of people tried their hand at axe throwing or bow and arrow shooting or spear flinging. Vista Mayor John Franklin was found taking a shot at each of the events being helped by Guild instructors. Near this area the various Guilds of the Norway Hall Foundation had encampments set up resembling Viking settlements. Here you could also see metal, wood working and blacksmithing exhibitions. The Historic Viking Bellows and Odin Forge were in full operation. These Guilds included Celtic Norse, The Red Hand, Drefn, The Vesterfolk, The Wolves of Odin, House Vinland, Saami, and The Wolf & The Serpent. The Medieval Fight Club performed combat reenactment throughout the day as well.
In the Scandinavian Tent demonstrations could be seen of Viking weaving, spinning, Norwegian knitting, Rosemaling (Norwegian decorative folk painting style), and Folk Woodcarving. Many of the items were on sale. Also on sale were Viking and Scandinavian books by Olaf Engrig.
The Vendor Village area was a popular shopping spot for many. You could purchase beard products, honey, Norwegian Salt, aromatic oils, candles, Scandinavian goods, art, woodworking, leather goods, drinking horns and goblets, weapons like axes, swords and knives, clothing, helmets, jewelry, chainmail and a variety of other items.
You could not go hungry at the festival as a number of eateries offered everything from Swedish meatballs and cheese items to Bezerker dogs to sausage rolls and Scotch eggs or meat pies to flatbread pizza. Rancho Buena Vista Cheer squads were participating for the third year assisting The Viking Grill. They had acquired their food handler’s licenses to assist along with their parents. Donations were made to assist their program at the school as they are moving up to a higher level of competition. Head Coach Monica spoke about how hard the 30 girls were working at the festival and for their program.
There were a number of breweries and meaderies at the festival as well. Those offering a selection of choices included Prohibition Brewing Company, Raging Cider and Mead, Battle Mage Brewing, Golden Coast Mead, Arcana Brewing, Meadiocrity, Twisted Horn Mead & Cider, Serpentine Cider, Roadies Brewing, North County Home Brewers, and The Saloon featuring Hidden Hive and Wild West Mead Company. Also serving tastes of Swedish wines was Daniel Borg of Viking Spirits.
One of the most popular things to see at the Vista Viking Festival was the IHGF World Highland Games stone lift qualifying as these athletes attempted to qualify for the Highland International Games in Norway. The stone lift required the competitors to lift either a 190 lb. stone or a 202lb. stone over their heads as many times as they could in a limited amount of time. Most of the competitors were lifting the 202 lb. stone when we were there. One of the competitors lifted the stone 10 straight times while we were watching.
The Vista Viking Festival provided a Youth Pavilion for youth under the age of 18. There they could take part in Kids Axe Throwing, Kids Archery, Sword Decorating of Shield Decorating. Story telling was also offered.
The Vista Viking Festival has become a “you should attend” event for the City of Vista. It is fun, offers great food and activities and a chance to learn a little more about a very distant historical culture as well as take part in a culture of today. Go to www.vistvikingfestival.com to stay in touch.
Returning to North County October 25, 26 and November 1, 2 is the Escondido Renaissance Faire held at Felicita County Park in Escondido. Go to www.oldetymeproductionsinc.com for more information.
