People will be able to step back in time hundreds of years when a middle-ages fair comes to Chilliwack this summer.

Members of the , the Fraser Valley branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism, is hosting its Bartholomew Fair on Aug. 17 at Atchelitz Hall.

In its 59th year, the society is a worldwide group of living history enthusiasts. They "learn and share what we have learned all while celebrating the diversity around us in all of it鈥檚 forms," said member Cameron Hull.

During the one-day fair, people can witness rapier (fencing), target archery championships, and thrown weapons, plus take in the Shire of Lionsdale's inaugural armoured combat banner tournament (think knights in armour).

"We are a hands-on group, so anyone that shows up will also be able to participate in many of our activities, not just watch," Hull added. "We even have a good selection of clean, and well-maintained historical clothes they can borrow for the day."

Guests can try their hand at archery and thrown weapons (knife, axe and spear), see and learn pre-16th century crafts, participate in living history classes, shop local merchants with their handmade wares and take in the hospitality and pageantry that the society has to offer.

The Bartholomew Fair hosted by the Shire of Lionsdale is on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Atcheliz Farmer鈥檚 Institute Hall (6542 Lickman Rd.). Cost is $15 for Society for Creative Anachronism members, and $25 for non-members (cash and cheque only).

The Shire of Lionsdale has members from Maple Ridge to Hope and they meet on the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Atchelitz Hall.

For more, go to lionsdale.tirrigh.org, or email lionsdale.marshal@tirrigh.org.