July 15, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Patrick Michael Karnahan
Media Relations
International Jousting Championships/Angels Camp, CA
(209) 743-1565
blackirish28@hotmail.com

5th Annual Jousting Championships Coming to Calaveras

Extreme sport lures top knights from around the world to compete for glory, prestige, and title of International Jousting Champion! Live music from Stand Easy, the Black Irish Band, Cullan's Hounds and Tempest.

Angels Camp, CA. July 2007- More than five centuries after its initial popularity, jousting is back and better than ever! The 5th Annual International Jousting Championships and Renaissance Faire offers a most impressive line up of competitors eager to do battle for purse and prestige at the Calaveras Fairgrounds, September 21st-23rd, 2007. Hard hitting knights from around the world will brave 70 lbs of armor, 12 ft lances, feisty steeds, and well matched opponents to capture the title of International Jousting Champion. Patrons will be enthralled by an amazing spectacle as they watch knights strike rivals hard enough to explode shields, or splinter lances into a thousand pieces—sometimes even dismounting the competition!

"Words like ‘pomp, pageantry, and chivalry' serve to evoke the romantic aspects of jousting. We go one step forward: we provide a one of a kind spectacle by bringing the real sport of jousting to our audience," said Patrick Michael Karnahan, faire creator and organizer. “This will not be a choreographed event. This is the real thing, not just some play or re-enactment seen at Renaissance Faires and dinner shows. Jousting is an extreme, dangerous sport. Visitors will witness brave knights battling during three contests each day. There will be amusement, high drama, and plenty of excitement. As the battle heats up, the audience, prompted by the King's heralds, will have plenty of opportunity to lend their support and cheer on their favorite knight.”

Due to the large number of jousters competing for this year's title, the festivities will start on Friday. With 12 jousters, this will be the most spectacular event ever! On Friday the 21st, the Jousting Arena opens at 1pm, and preliminary competition begins. The knights will engage in equestrian games, accumulating points by demonstrating their accuracy at several impressive tasks. Friday night, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, patrons will have the opportunity to join the riders for “The Knights Feast”—an exclusive evening including a feast fit for a King and live entertainment featuring Cullan's Hounds and Myth & Magic.

Festival grounds open at 10am Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd. Jousting will take place at 12noon and 3pm. The Faire will open with a procession featuring ambassadors from England, the Germanic States, Spain, and Italy. The cast of professional actors will entertain guests throughout the festival with dancing, military pageantry, and falconry. In addition to lance-to-lance competition, the event will also feature knights engaging in hand-to-hand combat and archery demonstrations. Shops within the village will display authentic hand-made wares, delectable foods and time-period beverages such as strong ale and mead.

Musical entertainment will be highlighted throughout the weekend. New to the festival this year is Stand Easy, featuring front-man John Allan. John Allan is a world renowned bagpiper who has played with acts such as Korn, The Chieftains, Michael Flattley, and the Tonight Show Band. The hard rockin' continues with Celtic band Cullan's Hounds, the unique stylings of The Black Irish Band, and Tempest. Starting at 6pm on Saturday, a special Pirate's Ball with costumes, mayhem and music by festival favorites Tempest will get everyone in the spirit of the Jolly Roger! The Pirate's Ball will have fun for everyone with delicious Pirate's Punch, a treasure chest filled with booty and a costume contest.

Friday hours are 1pm – 6pm (Jousting Arena only), with The Knights Feast afterwards from 6:30pm – 9:30pm.

Saturday hours are 10am – 6pm, with the Pirate's Ball running from 6pm – 9pm.

Sunday hours are 10am – 5pm.

Pre-sale tickets will be available on August 1st, at designated locations and through the official event website http://www.joustingchampionships.com. For any further information, including current news, directions, pricing, lodging, and full event schedule visit the website or call (209) 743-1565.

http://joustingchampionships.com/ or call (800) 350-1814.