Ye Olde May Fest & “The Merry Wives of Windsor”

Here ye, here ye! Let it be known far and wide “Ye Olde May Fest” beckons thee for revelry, feasting and discovery to fill even an ol’ Bard with glee. (Rumor has it his “Merry Wives of Windsor” will be in town for the special occasion!)

All ages, peasants and nobles shall rub elbows at this grand event where mirth awaits at every turn. Best of all, entry to the pageantry shall not cost you even a pence.

WHEN
May 18 (Saturday) 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

🎟 ADMISSION
Free!

 SATURDAY, MAY 18
11:00a Fest opens!
Maypole, Archery, Merry Merchant Row, Kids’ Crafting Kingdom, Stockade, Community Mural, Scavenger Hunt, Air Brush Tattoo Artist, Royal Throne Photo Op, Food & Spirits.

⚗  11:00 am         Alchemist courtesy of After the Peanut program (pavilion)
🏹 11:00 am       Try-Me Archery courtesy of BowDoc Archery (right of stairs)
🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️ 11:30 am     Maypole Dancing (by fountain) 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️
⚗  1:00 pm         Alchemist courtesy of After the Peanut program (pavilion)
🎭 12:00 pm   MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (bandshell, hill seating)
⚗  1:00 pm         Alchemist courtesy of After the Peanut program (pavilion)
🎵  2:00 pm      Flutist Sir Joey (pavilion)
🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️ 2:30 pm      Maypole Dancing 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️
👑 3:00 pm      Royal Parade & Coronation of Guests (pavilion)
*** SPECIAL ANNONCEMENT: JOLIET’S 1st POET LAUREATE! ***
🎵  3:30 pm      Flutist Sir Joey (pavilion)
🎵  5:00 pm      Flutist Sir Joey (pavilion)
👑 6:00 pm       Royal Parade & Coronation of Guests (pavilion)
🎭 7:00 pm    MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (bandshell, hill seating)
👋 10:00 pm      Fest bids all a good night!

📜 ABOUT
“Shakespeare & Art In The Park” from previous years has gone through a renaissance the whole family will enjoy! So, what’s new? More activities for more ages! We’ve broaden the appeal to even non-Shakespeare fans . . .yet.

🎪 The outdoor grounds will take on the look of an outdoor medieval fair featuring a large Maypole, parade of royalty, kids’ make-n-take crafting kingdom, stockade (next to the kids’ area, of course!) alchemist, archery, magician, Medievalist and his suit of armor, green screen magic with a castle and dragon, community mural project (add your touch!), live music, merchants, food and refreshments.

  “MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR”
SATURDAY, May 18
12:00 pm & 7:00 pm
(Bandshell)
The cornerstone event by Shakespeare! Falstaff (played here by Jake Thomas) decides to fix his financial woe by seducing the wives of two wealthy merchants. The wives find he sent them identical letters and take revenge by playing tricks on Falstaff when he comes calling. Bring blankets and chairs for hill seating by the bandshell.

MORE FUN FOR ALL AGES!

ALCHEMIST courtesy of the AFTER THE PEANUT PROGRAM
SATURDAY, May 18 at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
(Pavilion)
Alchemy, the fore-runner to modern chemistry, was of mystery and surprise (and danger if you got it wrong!). All ages will enjoy this presentation by the AFTER THE PEANUT program (promotes K-12 STEAM education), courtesy of CEO Dr. Natalie Coleman.

TRY-ME ARCHERY by BOWDOC ARCHERY
SATURDAY, May 18 starting at 11:00 am
SUNDAY, May 19 starting at 11:00 am
Guests can try archery with the experts! We’re excited to have BowDoc Archery of Mokena here, especially National Champion Coach Chrissie Lyons. She’s a barebow shooter and world record setter! Archery is enjoyed by kids as well as adults. Come learn about different types of bows, their history and even how to shoot one! Their team is very excited to be here starting at 11:00 am both Saturday and Sunday along the bluff.

🚗 FREE PARKING
South of the Jefferson Street bridge (immediate right before crossing) and off the Cass Street bridge (immediate left after crossing).

⛈ INCLEMENT WEATHER
The play will be moved indoors to the theatre.

💗 Event sponsored by the STRANGE & UNUSUAL GALLERY downtown Joliet.

Special thanks to:
The Joliet Drama Guild
Joliet Public Library
Joliet Noon Lions Club
WriteOn Joliet
After the Peanut program and Dr. Natalie Coleman
Bow Doc Archery

☎ CONTACT
bipark@joliet.gov
815-724-3761