Feast of Thrones
Ocracoke never lets you down when it comes to costumed events, or pot lucks.
Inspired by the descriptions of food in the Game of Thrones series of books, Heather Johnson decided to organize a feast. About 35 locals and a few visitors donned medieval garb and brought a dish to share.
"We live on an island where people are super creative, love to play dress up, and cook good food," she said.
Nobles, warriors, peasants and dragons rubbed elbows at table, dining on cornish game hens, dove pies,
smoked venison, lamb meatballs, turkey legs, clams in herb butter, and poached pears in a pomegranate raspberry sauce.
Nathan Modlin made a hibiscus honey mead, which was "potent and delicious," said Heather. His home brewed bitter beer was a big hit, too.
Attendees were from all walks of Ocracoke life.
Some were fans of the George R. R. Martin series; others like the HBO show, and still others came just to enjoy the festivities. There were sword fight skirmishes, but no major brawls broke out. Archery was a big hit, but bicycle jousting with pool noodles never really took off as planned, which may be a good thing given the potency of the mead.
Emily Lyons sported a real skunk pelt she'd been hanging onto, not sure when it would come in handy. Matthew Tolson made a breast plate out of a turtle shell that had washed into his yard. Nathan was wrapped in a faux fur cloak stitched by Patrick Jubal Creech, who bought up all the stuffed animals at Village Thrift as his material.
When the sun set and the mosquitoes swarmed out of the marsh around Jackson Tract, the celebrants crafted homemade torches, and marched through the village to Dajio.
"One car saw us coming and turned around and went the other way," noted Heather. Golf cart passengers were braver, and cheered on the crowd. "We totally made some people's night," she laughed.
Arriving at the iron gates of Dajio, the revelers felt strong and bold. The lady of the manor--owner Judy Eifert--acknowledged the throng. "Judy just came out and looked at us, then turned around and walked back inside," said Heather. "We extinguished the torches then charged into the bar," with Matthew's costume giving one patron a serious fright.
Heather hopes the event will become an annual party, getting better each year.
