Jousters Compete For Renaissance Fans At Sheridan County Fairgrounds

The Sheridan County Fairgrounds turned back time this past weekend by about 700-to-800 years.

Many renaissance period fans were at the fairgrounds to dance, socialize and watch the Knights of Mayhem put on a jousting competition.

The jousting events are more than just a show for the crowd.

There is a world jousting championship event held each year in southeast Australia, just outside of Melbourne.

Charlie Andrews is the captain of the Knights of Mayhem and is a 13-time world champion jouster.

He says some people don’t know that there are several different styles of jousting.

“Medieval times are Excalibur where they kind of play joust and jump off of their horse and do a cool sword fight and it’s a really fun cool show and then there’s the style that we do that’s solid lances, really knock the guy off of his horse and it’s violent.”

The event served as a fundraiser for CHAPS Equine Assisted Therapy, which helps participants reduce emotional reactivity, anxiety and depression as well as improve coping, relationship and communication skills.