On a bright Thursday morning at Dranesville Elementary School, fifth-grade students donned costumes and prepared for the annual Medieval Festival.
While often remembered as a darker age in Western history, the event brought to light the dynamic art and culture of the time.
The festival, which has taken place for more than ten years, has become a legend throughout the halls of the school.
"The younger kids look forward to it," said fifth-grade teacher Karen Smith. "They wonder when it will be their turn."
Offering a full day of eclectic activities, students — dressed in character, are given the chance to try their hand at a number of artisan crafts such as mosaics, soap carvings and quilling.
"It's a culminating social studies act," said Joy Malycke. "We do this because its fun and it fits into the curriculum."
After completing crafts students wandered into the cafeteria-turned royal banquet hall filled with an assortment of meat, fruit, and cake.
The children dined together dressed as princesses, knights, artisans and clergy.
Nick Cepsalis, who wore an embroidered Bishop's costume was especially excited about the opportunity to be in character.
"I really like going to church," he said, "and I think its cool to be a Pope or a Bishop."
After a series of entertaining dances performed by various fifth-grade classes, the students retreated to the theater for a presentation from Andrew the Knight.
"Andrew", who gives lectures in the Washington area, entertained the children for an hour and a half with anecdotes and fun facts about the Medieval Period. Complete with visual aides including armor and tapestries, he encapsulated everything that was fun and educational about the day.