By Steve Powell

spowell@arlingtontimes.com

ARLINGTON – Allison Grafston of Marysville pulled back on the bow.

Her arrow, with a little suction cup at the end, only went about halfway to the target.

That’s when a big, burly Viking stepped up and told her a story of yore. He said back in the day, your family was starving, and you had to hit that deer.

Allison rose to the challenge and hit the target of her next attempt.

That was just one of the many stories that happened last weekend at the 3rd annual Viking Festival at Legion Park, put on by the Downtown Arlington Business Association.

The two-day event was more interactive this year. Along with the bow and arrow there also were a hatchet throwing area. Kids were allowed to do battle with plastic and foam weapons. Onlookers were entertained with demonstrations in fighting, weaving, carving and more. There were numerous booths in a marketplace with all types of medieval wares being sold. Dan Barnard, also known as Capt. Chaos Vane, sold items from his Iron Dragon Trading Post.

Micah Slyter, 8, of Camano Island learned sword fighting techniques from Viking expert Sven Lugar of Auburn.

Other activities included: hair braiding, body stenciling, Celtic rune reading, jewelry making, weaving and flour grinding demonstrations. American Legion Post 76 started each day off with a Swedish Pancake Breakfast. There were skill and strength competitions, along with heavy weapons fighting and combat archery.