This year's Faire features dozens of greyhounds in attendance and over 500 human and animal performers on two stages, in two arenas, and all about the shire.

The Court of Queen Elizabeth

A royal court portrayed once again by Queen Elizabeth and the 100-plus members of the respected and historically accurate St. Elizabeth's Guilde.

Equestrian Arena

The ever-popular troupe from Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament perform jousting and swordplay in this arena. Joining us in the equestrian arena this year is a draft horse (such as Shires, Belgians, and Clydesdales) demonstration.

Newmarket Kid's Court

The Newmarket Kid's Court will entertain and amaze the wee ones

Games

Games of skill and chance for the kid in you

The PETCO pet supply chain again sponsors our Faire. We are proud to announce that the County of Orange, California becomes a sponsor of the Faire this year. It is promoting our Faire as one of six events marking the centennial celebration of Irvine Regional Park.

Charity Benefit

Once again, it's all for the greyhounds: all proceeds go to Greyhound Pets of America/California Orange County & Greater Los Angeles (an all- volunteer, non-profit group) to assist in the placement of retired racing greyhound dogs.

Royal Hounds Arena

The Royal Hounds Arena will portray a variety of animals from the Renaissance era. The Queen's greyhounds will race to determine who will lead the royal hunt. A variety of Renaissance-era sighthounds will make an appearance. Watch the Queen and her courtiers as they interact with the hounds. You will see how dogs worked in that period as they demonstrate sheepherding and agility skills.

We are looking for guildes, entertainers, and vendors for this year's Faire. For guilde/entertainer information contact the Faire's Theatrical Director, Bill Armstrong, at (818) 702-9213. For vendor information, call (714) 962-0789.

If you would like to volunteer your time to prepare for the next Faire or to work the Faire itself, contact Greyhound Pets of America/CA--OC&GLA at (714) 962-0789.

The weather was clear but hot. We feared cold weather, even rain, but we didn't expect summer temperatures! We got off to a late start due to crowded freeways, but everyone was flexible. The various guildes did wonderful jobs. We want to extend special thanks to St. Elizabeth's Guilde, which portrayed our royal court. Bill and Patti and their troupe did a marvelous job of creating an authentic Elizabethan court. But they did much more than this. They took a special interest in promoting the welfare of our greyhounds. Many of their courtiers came by our booth and "borrowed" a grey to walk around the shire. Their enthusiasm was very encouraging. Frankly, it was unusual to see people dressed regally enough to complement the regal bearing of a greyhound!

The dogs were all on their best behavior. They did great in the parade with the royal court, even with a noisy drum and other distractions. They did get hot, of course, but we kept lots of water and ice on hand. We had no incidents and only one minor accident (not involving a dog). One grey did get loose inside the park, but didn't get far before being grabbed by helpful visitors. About the worst occurrence was that one of our major food vendors didn't show. As a result, the other food vendors were busy and happy!

The visitors and participants had a great time, and lots of people came by the GPA booth. The GPA/CA--OC&GLA phone was ringing off the hook the next day, as people called to request adoption applications and to ask questions. Our local paper, the Orange County Register, on Sunday put a color photo of the Faire on the front page and another photo in the Metro section.

We want to thank PETCO and Waltham for their corporate sponsorship, and for the time PETCO employees spent on this project. Their efforts helped make it possible for all the proceeds from this Faire to go to GPA/CA--OC&GLA greyhound adoption.