Sherwood's Robin Hood Festival to mark 71 years July 19 and 20

Sherwood will once again herald back to the days of yore beginning Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20, as the annual Robin Hood Festival kicks into high gear.

This will be the 71st year for an event that draws young and old together for one of the oldest festivals in the state.

Festivities commence at 5 p.m. Friday with music and vendors in Old Town Sherwood. That will include a beer, wine and cider garden along with numerous vendors and entertainment galore.

A variety of bands will appear throughout the weekend along with medieval music, swordplay and more. The festival kicks it up a notch on Saturday with a parade that begins at 10 a.m. This year’s theme is “Magical Merriment.” The parade route is on the Sherwood Robin Hood Festival website.

During the event, the festival’s village stage will include medieval and Renaissance-themed performances.

Then, don’t forget about the annual archery competition set for Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sherwood High School junior varsity baseball field.

Maid Marian will get a chance at the first shot on Saturday before the 69th annual International Archery Match between Sherwood and Nottingham, England, begins. The winner receives a Tiffany silver bowl that has been traded between the two cities for years. So far, Sherwood has marked 47 wins against its neighbors across the pond.

See pages 8 and 9 for full Sherwood Robin Hood Festival information, schedules and maps.