Gauntlet thrown: Medieval knights invade campus Jan. 23

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — En guard, gators! Knights from Kissimmee’s Medieval Times will take over the University of Florida’s Plaza of the Americas on Jan. 23 in a display of medieval arms and armor at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The chivalric spectacle is free and open to the public.

Hosted by the Center for Medieval and Early Modern Studies, the event is part of the eighth annual Carnevale Symposium, which explores the origins and evolution of the pre-Lenten celebration, Carnival, recognized in the U.S. as Mardi Gras. In honor of the university’s stunning athletic accomplishments in 2007, this year’s symposium is focused on games of sport — from the medieval to the modern age.

Co-organizers include the City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, the UF Center for European Studies, the Society for Creative Anachronism, and Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. The following events are also being offered, free of charge, to the general public:

Gameday! Art Exhibition
Date: Continues through Feb. 3
Time: Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Location: Main Gallery of Thomas Center, 302 N.E. Sixth Ave.
A variety of artwork and artifacts depicting the role of games throughout history is on display, featuring the works of contemporary artists on loan from the Theatre of Memory and the Higgins Armory Museum.

Carnevale Colloquium
Date: Jan. 28
2 to 3 p.m. “Games and the Global Gator” roundtable discussion, UF’s Dauer Hall, Room 219
4 p.m. “Ancient Games with Modern Players” roundtable discussion, Thomas Center Long Gallery 5:30 p.m. A special keynote address, “The Games People Play,” by Mary Watt, co-director of UF’s Center for Medieval and Early Modern Studies, Thomas Center Long Gallery

Medieval Masquerade
Date: Feb. 1
Time: 5 to 7 p.m.
Location: Thomas Center
Medieval attire/garb is encouraged. There will be hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and an assortment of medieval games from around the globe for children and adults to enjoy.

CONTACT: Mary Watt, co-director of UF’s Center for Medieval and Early Modern Studies, 352-392-2016, ext. 255; watt@rll.ufl.edu