The plug is about to be pulled on Port Gamble — in a good way.

Bows and arrows, sword fighting, jousting, Middle Ages arts and science — bards, ballistas, lords, ladies, the baron and baroness — will all stake their old world claim at the Medieval Faire this weekend.

Thousands will descend upon the North End. While the Faire itself turns 25, this is the fifth year that the Kitsap branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism (an historical/educational non-profit) has hosted the festivities in Port Gamble.

The Faire will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 2 and 3, with a $5 entry fee per person. Only a preliminary schedule was available at press time, the more modern fair-goers can check www.medievalfaire.org for updates.

Annually the SCA attempts to create an air where everyone is a lord or a lady. And this year, they plan to take it even further.

“At the top of the hill we’re trying to go more medieval than usual,” Event chair Aaron Rogers said. “Any signs of modern life we’re trying to eliminate.”

At the top of the hill, overlooking Port Gamble, medieval merchants, encampments and vendors will offer a shopping trip unlike any to be had in the modern world. Amidst the dozens of booths, one can find costumes, clothing, toys, armor, swords, battle axes and daggers, or sample a plate of gruel and turnips or a number of other tasty recipes from the days of yore.

Faire-goers will be both entertained and educated in the techniques and tenacity of Middle Ages’ combat — armored fighting, rapier combat, archery and thrown weapons.

Musicians, singers, jugglers, dancers and storytellers perusing the fairgrounds will help to lighten the atmosphere along with a human game of chess and a bolstered list of equestrian events in 2007.