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Contest & Quests
Festival Contests
Test thy skill and courage in spirited competitions that invite friendly rivalry and crowd-favorite challenges, where strength, wit, and good humor are equally prized. From feats of might to contests of speed, aim, and endurance, each trial offers patrons the chance to prove their mettle before cheering crowds. Whether seeking glory, laughter, or simple bragging rights, all who step forth will find a challenge worthy of song and story.
The winner of any festival contest will be presented a commemorative wooden stein at the festival's closing ceremonies at 3 p.m. on the Festival Stage
Archery Tournament
Take aim at glory during the Archery Tournament at 12:30 p.m. at the archery field, where steady hands and keen eyes reign supreme. Sharpen your focus and test your skill in this classic contest of precision and control. Brave archers must sign up at the archery field by 12:20 p.m. to compete for victory and honor.
Hotcakes Eating Contest
Step forth to the Festival Stage at 11 a.m. for a most noble (and delicious) test of valor: the Hotcakes Eating Contest. Contestants will race to conquer a towering stack of sizzling pancakes and claim bragging rights worthy of legend. Those bold enough to compete must sign up at the Festival Stage by 10:50 a.m.—may your appetite be mighty!
Corn on the Cobb Eating Contest
Gather round the Festival Stage at 2:00 p.m. for the Corn on the Cobb Eating Contest, a hearty challenge for those with bold appetites. Sink your teeth into rows of golden corn as speed and stamina decide who will be crowned the ultimate corn champion. Aspiring contenders must sign up at the Festival Stage by 1:50 p.m.—come hungry and ready for glory!
Costume Contest
Don thy finest garb and step into the spotlight at the Costume Contest, held during the Closing Ceremonies at 3:00 p.m. Festival patrons will select the winners through audience participation, celebrating the most dazzling displays of creativity and craftsmanship. Two categories await—Fantasy and Historical—so whether thy style is born of legend or lore, all are welcome to compete for glory.
Skills Tournament
Prove your strength, speed, and cunning at the Skills Tournament at 1:30 p.m. in the Entrance Area, where only the most valiant shall prevail. Contestants will face epic challenges including tug-of-war, foot-jousting, and a dynamic obstacle course fit for true competitors. Those seeking to be deemed worthy of knighthood in the Order of the Vanguard must sign up at the Festival Stage by 1:00 p.m.!
Festival Quests
Festival food will be provided by Great Western Dining, ASU-Beebe’s official food service provider, featuring a selection of medieval-inspired meals and menu items that reflect common fare of the Renaissance era while appealing to modern tastes.
Vanguard Knight's Quest
To all unto whom these presents shall come, greetings and hearty welcome to the Vanguard Renaissance at ASU-Beebe. Van the Vanguard, grand master of the most noble Knightly Order of the Vanguard, doth seek gentlefolk, yeomen, and cottagers alike to test their mettle in sundry contests, both grand and humble, this day. He hath dispatched trusted knights throughout the festival under cloak to bear witness to feats of valor and skill, and to honor those most deserving. Whosoever doth prove themselves worthy in the five virtues of the order shall be bestowed the title and privileges of the most esteemed Knightly Order of the Vanguard at the Closing Ceremonies to be held on the festival stage at half past two.
Patrons who wish to join the quest may collect a leaflet containing clues to locations throughout the festival where they will prove their ability in the five virtues of the Order of the Vanguard. After completing each task, a cast member will stamp the patron’s quest leaflet as proof of valor. Once all five virtue seals have been collected, patrons must present their completed quest 20–30 minutes before the Closing Ceremony and report to the Festival Stage at 2:30 p.m., where they shall be knighted by Van the Vanguard in a ceremony upon the stage and receive a commemorative warrant of knighthood.
Murder in the Realm! Quest
A foul deed hath been committed in the realm: Thomas Rye, the royal baker, hath been cruelly murdered, and justice must be served. By order of the Crown, the Sheriff doth commission able patrons as deputy sheriffs, tasking them with gathering clues hidden throughout the festival to uncover the truth of Baker Rye’s demise and name the guilty party to be arrested and tried before the Crown.
Those who would aid in this investigation may begin their quest at the Royal Gaol and Stocks, where the Sheriff will provide a quest leaflet bearing clues to key locations across the festival grounds. As patrons follow the trail and learn more of Thomas Rye and those who crossed his path, they must piece together the evidence and return to the Sheriff to accuse the true murderer and assist in the issuing of an arrest warrant. Once the culprit is placed in the stocks, the successful deputies shall be rewarded with custom commemorative realm coins for their service to justice.