Village Green Boar’s Head Festival
The annual Boar’s Head Festival at Avon Old Farms School took place on Tuesday, December 11, 2007. The spectacular feast followed a day of fasting in honor of the school community’s dedication to the Toys for Tots drive, to which the school donated the money saved by not serving lunch that day. The Boar’s Head Festival is a reenactment of a medieval feast, put on by the members of the senior class, who each have a part in the festivities. The role of jester, who serves as master of ceremonies, was played by Preston Thompson, while Peter Holst-Grubbe took on the role of Father Christmas. Warden Will Hendricks, as Saint George, battled and defeated the dragon. Also included were the Headmaster 1
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Spring-Summer 2008 The Avonian
and Mrs. LaRocque, as Master and Mistress of the Hall. Several parents of the class of 2008 served as Lords and Ladies, and faculty members Heather and Graham Callaghan ’95 and their baby, Owen, played the roles of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus this year. Group carols, a traditional candlelighting ceremony, and the sounds of the Riddlers added to the festivities. The tradition of the Boar’s Head Festival began in the 1950s, originating with Provost Don Pierpont, who enthusiastically embraced the pageantry and tradition that Boar’s Head afforded the students and faculty members. Now in the hands of Dean of Faculty and History Chairman Art Custer, the festival has continued to impress over 2
the years, and has become a staple of the holiday season to which students and faculty alike look forward every year. Jim Kirschner and the dining services staff work hard to provide everyone with a fantastic meal, and the Nimrod Club provides the Christmas tree. The Parents Association has generously contributed to the growing costumes selections. X 1. Lords and Ladies of the Hall preside over the ceremonies. Top row (left to right): Ned Thompson, Headmaster Ken LaRocque, Heidi LaRocque, Nancy Hodgkinson. Bottom row: Alice DiFiglia, Margot Thompson, John Hodgkinson, Mike Buenaventura, Suzanne Buenaventura, Leslie Underhill. 2. Paul Lee ’08 helps bring the dragon to do battle with Saint George. 3. Jester Preston Thompson ’08 waits for his next line. 4. The Riddlers perform under the direction of Robert Palmer. 3