Warrenton will experience the Viking Age
Jul. 4—HENDERSON — Vikings will sail into Warrenton on July 8 to offer the town a taste of the past.
GreyBeard Productions, LLC is holding the "Viking Experience" at Rockin' E Ranch Horse Training and Boarding, 2193 Warren Plains Road. The event starts at 11 a.m. on July 8 and ends at 8 p.m., only to start up the next day at 11 a.m. and finish up at 5 p.m.
From vendors to entertainment to a variety of food options, there's quite a bit to do, according to GreyBeard Productions Owner and Operator John Blunt. There will be horseback trail rides and camping at an extra cost. And naturally, axe- throwing and archery events will be held as well — it is a Viking-themed event, after all. For the kids, there will be a "Little Vikings Corner" and an interactive scavenger hunt.
"I am of Scandinavian descent and family means a lot to me," said Blunt. "My sigil for GreyBeards Productions simply translates to family and home. We take great strides to ensure that our events are fun for the entire family."
This weekend's event is the first big one Blunt and GreyBeard have put on — though they have some experience. They held a small, one-day event in January of this year.
"For the past several years leading up to 2020 we were cast members in other festivals," said Blunt. "As time went on, we developed a fan following. We were invited guests to be a part of a Viking photo shoot, and during the shoot, we realized we had the ability to produce our own experience..."
In 2020, they got the idea for the GreyBeards Viking Experience. Blunt goes by King GreyBeard at events.
"In true Viking fashion, I was given the name by someone else," Blunt described. "I was at a bar with friends. I went to pay my tab off, and the bartender asked what name it was under, and of course I said John. She replies, John? Oh, I put the tab under GreyBeard because I could not remember your name. The name stuck, and the bartender is now one of my best friends and is my personal caterer at my events."
Tickets can be purchased at greybeardsvikingexperience.com. Costumes are not required, but do add to the atmosphere, per the website. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, save for food for toddlers or infants. Each guest will be allowed one unopened bottle of water. Parking is free.
Weapons like swords and bows and arrows are allowed, though they must be "peace-tied," sheathed in such a way they cannot be drawn. Bows must be unstrung or strung with a material that can't hold tension.
As for safety, security guards will be checking weapons to ensure they are peace-tied and provide assistance if needed. A medical team will be onsite in the case of an emergency as well.
