Axes sharpened and helms horned, the Viking horde advanced across the bridge, war horns sounding amid shouts of “Skoll!” as the raiders swept into the town.
No, this wasn’t the Dark Ages Scandinavian sacking of some unfortunate village in England. It was the kickoff of Viking Fest — a cultural event organized by Descendants Brewing Company at the Old Ship Inn on Saturday.
The festival began with this smiles-filled “invasion,” as Viking-costumed participants assembled in Upper Black Eddy, and marched over the bridge spanning the Delaware River into Milford, Hunterdon County, where Descendants is located.
At the brewpub, the festival ran throughout the day, with many folks in attendance donning Viking/Medieval fantasy-style costumes. It all had the feel of a renaissance faire.
There was mead, ale and aquavit aplenty. Traditional music was sung in Swedish. Hair and beards were braided. Artisans offered Norse-inspired goods, like drinking horns. And, as a family-friendly shindig, a Viking rubber duck race and soft-toy ax-throwing excited the nipperkins.
Viking Fest is the brainchild of Descendants founder Joe David. Events like these explore the traditions of various cultures — from Scotland to Japan — through food and drink and various associated customs. Viking Fest was a natural outgrowth of that, David told the Herald.
“This is our biggest event of the year, and what makes it so special is the enthusiasm of our incredible guests,” David said.
Some of those patrons were part of re-enactment groups that like to root into everything from the mythologies of the Viking age to the traditional trades of the epoch — like blacksmithing — all part of a fun step back in time. Getting to costume-up and socialize with like-minded folks at Descendants was fantastic, they said.
Others weren’t re-enactors per se, but enjoyed the fantasy of the day and the general atmosphere of revelry.
“You get to step outside of yourself for a little bit,” said Annmarie Smith.
Local artist Doug Cavanaugh, proprietor of Celtic Hammer Club, designed the official artwork for Viking Fest and was onsite selling his Norse and Celtic-influenced wares, like ornate drinking vessels. Trade was quick.
“It’s cool to see how many people are really interested in the history and the culture,” he said, referencing the hundreds in attendance throughout the day. “It’s a great event to be part of.”
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