Smith Lake Recreation Area was transformed into a land where unicorns, gypsy queens, jousting knights, bards and sword swallowers strolled about tents and fire pits at the 2012 Fort Bragg Renaissance Faire, Saturday.

Nearly 5,000 Fort Bragg and Fayetteville area residents ate roast turkey legs, learned how to sword fight and make their own shields and halos during the two day event.

Medieval Fantasies Company from Churchville, Va., provided entertainment and festivities for the revelers.

“We had a wonderful weekend. (The faire) was very well received,” said Chris Pugh, general manager of Medieval Fantasies Company. Pugh’s alter ego is King Blackwolf, the Black Knight of Wolfslair.

The King and Queen Dagrny greeted each guest at their pavilion with maps, schedules and gifts for the younger visitors.

“We enjoyed meeting so many Families and troops from Fort Bragg and the Fayetteville area. As a vet, this is a very special project for me to work with Fort Bragg,” said Pugh. He said he hopes to expand to other military installations in the future.

A historical reenactment of a spice merchant caravan by the Hanseatic League, archery tournaments and a jousting exhibition by Paragon Jousting added a realistic medieval flavor to the faire.

Other entertainment such as minstrels Thunder and Spice, and fiddler Dave McMillian kept faire-goers entertained with music of old.

Mariah and Alex McKenney sang along with Maugorn the Stray at one of the picnic areas as their son, Abraham, 3, played the bugle.

“We love (the faire). (Abraham) is very into knights and swordfighting,” said Mariah.

One of the newer acts from last year’s faire was Master David’s talent for sword swallowing.

The audience cringed and covered their eyes as he placed sharp objects down his throat without injury.

“My first official swallow was May 30, 2011,” said David.

The younger masters and ladies could ride unicorns and ponies at Carolina Pony Parties as well as have their face painted by Mistress Rayne.

Aubrey and Liz Adams watched their daughter Arihana, 3, ride a unicorn. Liz and her daughter came last year and brought Aubrey this year to enjoy the faire, she said.

When the faire ended at 5 p.m., Sunday, Smith Lake Recreation Area turned back into an outdoor recreation area until the magic of the Renaissance Faire visits again.