This Saturday (July 21) be prepared to step back in time when Knights, King's and Queen's rule the land.

The Cochrane Public Library is transforming to a time period where you will witness jousting, costumes and a whole lot of fantasy at the third annual Medieval Day.

Andrea Johnston, Program Librarian at the Cochrane Public Library says get ready for a crazy, wild, fun day as usual with the Medieval Day celebration. Continuing to grow in popularity the event has attracted crowds anywhere from 2500 to 3500 people and it is anticipated they will blow those numbers out of the water this year.

The all-day event is packed full of action and you will even have the opportunity to see Knights and Vikings battle it out. "We're very excited to have our Knights back under the new name of the 'Wardens of the Red Tower' they're going to be doing their fighting demonstration every hour on the hour as well we will have the 'Vestrheim Vikings' setting up a living history exhibit that people can go in and out of to experience how life was once lived and they will also be doing a couple of fighting demonstrations throughout the day."

Adding to the event this year is the All Saints Medieval Fellowship who will tantalize the audience with a magic show, teach some medieval dance moves and perform a Punch and Judy show.

Food trucks, Cochrane Fun Van, craft area, bouncy castles, photobooths and a vendor market for those who like to shop will also add to the event.

The event was masterminded a few years ago by Gail Ames (previous employee), who just wanted to showcase a small demonstration of Knights battling in the parking lot. "That quickly grew into what we now know as Medieval Day with all the activities; from her original idea we've just tried to keep that momentum going but to also bring something new, exciting and educational to the people of Cochrane."

Proving libraries are more than just books on shelves, the Cochrane Public Library continues to spark imaginations and creativity in all community members by hosting events like this. Johnston says feedback received over the last couple of years has been nothing but positive from both young and old attendees. "A lot of people are really excited to be coming back into the fun and that it is becoming a destination for them."

Three young people will also be knighted by 'King' Mayor Jeff Genung for their research and creativity skills they showcased in a youth writing contest.

The event is free except for the food trucks, medieval ale house and marketplace vendors. So grab your robes, crowns or suit or armour and head to the Cochrane Public Library any time from10:30 am to 4:30 pm this Saturday and experience what life was like a long time ago.

A video from last Medieval Day is below.