Fencing instructor lets sword do the talking
To Gordon Gandy of Libertyville, fencing is like speaking a language.
And he brought the classical form of communication to the Bristol Renaissance Fair in Kenosha, Wis. a few years ago.
Today, many children and adults sign up for Gandy's fencing lessons at the fair.
"They develop a burning interest in classical fencing," said Julia Romanski, the marketplace director for the Bristol Renaissance Faire. "We had never had anything like it at the faire before."
Several years ago, Gandy said he attended a fencing show in Arizona, which sparked his interest. He has taken lessons from several people, including the head fencing coach at Stevenson High School, Fernando Delgado.
Gandy decided to suggest adding fencing lessons to the Bristol Renaissance Faire three years ago.
"They jumped at it," Gandy said.
"When he first started we weren't sure exactly who his core clientele would be," said Romanski. She said that it turns out people of various ages are interested in the $5 fencing lessons and some have gone on to take private lessons from Gandy.
While at the fair, some kids come back to the fencing area several times in one day to get another chance on the fencing strip.
"It's good to have hands-on activities like that," said Susan Fry, the Renaissance Faire's entertainment director. "It's all about fun. My observation of Gordon's booth is the people are all about having a good time."
Fry refers to participants as "stage combat artists" who put on an entertaining sword fight for the audience.
Gandy is the assistant fencing coach at Stevenson High School. He also teaches at the College of Lake County and a local athletic club. He has competed in several fencing competitions, including nationals and has won many championships titles.
Gandy has fenced with people who speak different languages and he feels it's a great way to communicate.
"It's like speaking a language," said Gandy, who said that when they're fencing it's like they are suddenly both speaking the same language.
A Marine and Army veteran, Gandy was also a Joliet police officer for five years.
Gandy said that the participants put on an exciting and colorful show for the viewers at the fair.
"It's one of the most surprising parts of the fair," said Gandy, who encourages people to stop by and take a fencing lesson or watch fencing combat in action.
About 200 artisans are part of the marketplace at the fair that is located west of Interstate 94's Russell Road exit, near Kenosha.
This is the last weekend for the festival. It is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday.