Potato farmers rubbed elbows with knights in shining armour Friday at ’s annual Old World Faire.
As part of the school's curriculum, all of the seventh grade social studies classes culminate their year in a festive event at which students get to show off what they've learned about the ancient cultures they've studied. The students are asked to research their given culture and create presentations to show their understanding.
The highlight of the unit is Old World Faire at which students roam the grounds bartering items they have created that reflect the particular culture they researched. Students are encouraged to have "cheap and homemade," items, said David Fazio, world history teacher. "The emphasis is on cheap," he said.
Many students also wore homemade costumes and exhibited creative displays of their barter items. "You'd be surprised at how good their work can be," said Elise Cortina, GATE world history teacher.
The barter items on display were as diverse as custom portraits by Renassaince artist Riley Mustain to carriage rides offered by a group of students using their brute strength.
Food is always a popular barter item and there was no shortage of authentic edibles like chocolate, baked goods, pasta and teas.
