Published: October 06, 2008 02:37 pm         

Early bird tickets available for Madrigal Christmas Feast

The uncertain economic times have made us reluctant to part with our nickels and dimes, so the Crossville Arts Council is extending its early bird pricing for the Madrigal Christmas Feast. You have until Oct. 15 to save $8 on each ticket to the best time you’ll have all holiday season, and you don’t have to travel far from home to get it.

Anyone whose envelope is postmarked by Oct. 15 will buy their tickets to this gala event for $48 each, or $32 for children under 12. Following Oct. 15, remaining tickets will be $56 each, or $36 for children under 12. Last year the event sold out so organizers have moved to a larger hall with room for all, including swashbuckling knights and a gypsy fortuneteller. The rustic lodge at the Cumberland Mountain State Park on Hwy. 127S in Crossville with parking just outside the door will allow room for all.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. CST on Sunday, Nov. 30, when you will be greeted at the door by costumed courtly maids. People arriving at 5 p.m. will be sent to the dungeon to wait! The arrival of the costumed Duke and Duchess of Cumberland and their court of regal knights will be heralded by a trumpet fanfare. Besides the sparkling lighted Christmas tree, crackling fire and candle lit hall, you will enjoy the costumed Celebration Singers of Roane State Community College under the direction of Brenda Luggie, a rowdy jester, fractured fairy tales, a short story of the Knights of the Round Table that is still relevant today, Renaissance music by members of the Children of Crossville Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Rebecca Bull, and much more.

Heaping platters of foods of the Renaissance begin with assorted fruits, mushroom pastries, “pumpes” and cheese with dark bread followed by a hearty beef soup made with a ginger beer base. Your salad of fresh leafy greens will include fresh fruits and nuts in a vinaigrette dressing. Save room for two entrees, succulent grilled half pound chicken legs and roast beef cooked over an open fire. These will be served with roasted potatoes and root vegetables with fresh bread and whipped butter. Before sending you out into the cold night again, we will top it off with fruit tarts with Devonshire cream and a cup of hot tea or hot spiced cider to warm you from the inside out. This feast is being prepared by the king’s own fine chefs of Wildwood Catering who will have slaved over hot coals for hours to be sure that your feast is authentic to the Renaissance in every way.

You are invited to arrive in costume if you wish. Swords and lances will be checked at the door. Leave your cares behind, and come to this evening of fun, feasting and frivolity in the spirit of merrye olde England brought to you by the Crossville Arts Council with the sponsorship of First Investors on Peavine Road in Crossville. Proceeds from the event will help fund arts projects for youngsters in the Cumberland County Schools.

Send your check to the Crossville Arts Council, 99 Municipal Avenue, Crossville, TN 38555. Questions? Leave a message at their office phone, 456-2006, or call Judy Pearson at 484-8234.