11/02/12 ema

HAYS, Kan. -- Fort Hays State University's Madrigal Feaste, a tradition since 1964, will return to the Memorial Union on Friday, Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1.

Tickets can be purchased beginning Monday, Nov. 5. Prices are $25 for FHSU students and $35 for the public at the Memorial Union Office, room 208, online at www.fhsu.edu/madrigal, or by mail to Madrigal Committee, Memorial Union, 600 Park St., Hays, KS 67601. No telephone orders will be taken.

The Madrigal Feaste is a modern version of the medieval feasts held in castles and manors throughout England during the 16th century. It provides an abundance of music, singing, dancing and feasting reminiscent of a Christmas feaste in a royal castle during the Middle Ages.

The Madrigal Feaste at FHSU began in the fall of 1964 when the Union Activities Board created a monthly series of gourmet dinners. Themes from various parts of the world were used to provide evenings of food, music and decor.

The first dinners represented Holland, Germany and Hawaii. The desire for an English dinner prompted the involvement of Dr. Donald Stout, Music Department, and John Thorns, former chair of the Department of Art.

Lord and lady of the manor preside over the festival of holiday food and music the first weekend of December. Each year, individuals are selected from the Fort Hays State community to serve as honored guests. These individuals are recognized for their outstanding contribution to the Memorial Union or to the university.

For more information, call the Memorial Union at 785-628-5308.