An SCA event is where members dress in garb and spend time with friends while enjoying activities such as fighting, archery or classes. It can be a single day or multi-day event, often with overnight cabins or camping available. Events do require an attempt at garb (pre-16th century clothing) – please see the Hospitaller for Gold Key (loaner) items that you may use to attend.
The Barony of Darkwater has three main local events:
¨ Trident Tournament (January)¨ Gathering of the Clans (May)
¨ Village Faire (September)
There are many more events throughout Central Florida, which include Kingdom events and events in other Baronies. Most weekends, something is happening within driving distance.
Most events have fees that are broken down by the days that you attend and also by accommodations if you wish to stay overnight. SCA members receive a five dollar discount on event admission, but membership is not required to attend any event. Most events have a pre-registration option that allows you to reserve bed space as well as to reserve feast, if it is offered. Day trips are when a person attends a single day of an event.
Feast can mean different things, so make sure to understand what is provided. Most often, it means Friday night dinner, Saturday morning breakfast, and a multi-course meal on Saturday night. Menus are often posted in advance on the website for the event. If you have allergies, contacting the person responsible for preparing feast is recommended, as accommodations can often be made if given advance notice.
If the event you are attending includes a feast, be sure you have made a reservation, if required, and that you bring "feast gear": a plate, bowl, silverware, napkin and something from which to drink during dinner. A mug is a good idea for morning coffee as well.
When you arrive at an event, your car will approach a small pavilion near the entrance. This is called “Gate”. Here, someone will hand you a simple form to fill out, and can read your license plate number to you if needed. The form is simple, and the Gate person will be happy to answer any questions you may have. They will separate the forms, hand two copies back to you, and then direct you to Reservations. At this point, you will simply park in a designated parking spot and proceed to the Reservations area.
The person working Reservations will ask if you are a member and if you are pre-registered. They will take your forms and provide you with a site token and information on all the happenings for the event.
At this point – you’re at your first event! Some of the things you may want to do:
¨ Take a class¨ Watch an armored tournament
¨ Watch a rapier tournament
¨ Learn archery at the archery range
¨ Start a conversation with artisans in the hall
¨ Enjoy delicious food
¨ Visit merchant stalls for some shopping
¨ Attend royal or baronial court
Your first event can be exciting and intimidating. As you see people around, know that they were all a newcomer at one point as well. Your first event is a fantastic memory that you will carry with you. Remember to have fun and enjoy it. This community can become your community of friends.
Welcome home.
Kindly,
Lady Thyri Bersi
mka: Melissa KarelsHospitaller, Barony of Darkwater
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