Event Information

Weekly meetings and fighter practices are ways to participate in the SCA. But, where you'll find larger concentrations of "players" of this "game" is at Events. Events come in many shapes and sizes, from a 1-day event all the way up to a 2 week long war! Almost every single weekend in a year's calendar there will be events hosted somewhere in the Kingdom.

Events sound fun! How do I find them?

• • Start with the Kingdom online calendar http://kingdom.meridies.org/index.php/events/calendar, and/or Pop Chiv - the newsletter, Popular Chivary, which is mailed to members. Both will link to an online flyer or website with additional information for many events.

  • Check the Barony calendar online for events being hosted by the Barony -- Go to the Barony website, and click on Events

  • Ask around the Barony. Sometimes you can share a ride with someone else who is planning to attend a nearby event.

  • When in doubt, just ask! You can find us on the Yahoo email group, or the Facebook group, or in person. Just let someone know that you're interested in finding out more, or attending. In particular, find your Chatelaine if you need a buddy. :) You can also ask her for loaner garb (costume/clothing) and/or loaner feast gear if you need it.

At events, we must make all reasonable attempts at trying to look medieval. This doesn't mean that you have to be exact to period in any way, though this may eventually be your goal. Some people may wear simple costume clothing, and some very elaborate. Some wear what is appropriate to their Persona, and some folks will vary what they wear depending upon their mood, or the theme of the event, or even the weather. It's all up to you, so long as you're at least making an attempt to not look "modern." If you do not have medieval clothing/garb yet, don't worry! Just ask. We can find something for you to borrow until you can get or make your own items. If there's enough time in advance, we can also help guide you on how to make some items you might need, especially if it's cold. It can be very handy to have a warm hood, and a cloak or a coat to wear on a cold night, for example.

For events that are very nearby, you can go on a Day Trip, meaning you just come for the day and go home afterwards. You may start finding you'd like to attend events farther away, or ones that involve more activities, where you'll want to spend the night afterwards. Then you'll pay for Weekend pricing and can stay on-site the night before and/or after the event (typically Friday night, Saturday night - leave Sunday morning). Because events are held at campsites, or sometimes scout camps, this means you would typically be staying in your own tent you bring with you, or in bunks or cabins where available. Some members might instead bring an RV, or stay at a nearby hotel. "Modern" tents are certainly allowed, though long time members will (eventually) be frequently found in their Period style pavilion/tents.

Individuals who attend SCA events or participate in combat must either present a Blue membership card (which shows that they have a signed waiver on file at the SCA Member Services office), or they must sign a waiver at the gate.

Unless you are paying for a Day Trip only, event fees in Meridies are for the entire weekend and may include not only bedspace but also several meals. Some events will include traveler's fare Friday night, something for breakfast on Saturday morning, and Sunday morning. Lunches are not supplied but there is typically always a Fundraiser lunch (usually $5) being offered by someone who has graciously offered to prepare it. And Feast is also a separate dinner cost that you will pay for if you pre-reserve (or pay at the door), for your event cost plus feast.

Particularly if you're staying for the weekend, you will want to ask a group member, or you could consult the event's Popular Chivalry flyer or online flyer and find out who the Autocrat for that event is. That is who you can ask about the site's amenities, in case you have any questions. Meridies is fortunate to have many event sites that offer cabins, dining halls and full kitchens. Many of these buildings are heated; some are air-conditioned. Most sites have shower facilities and electricity available, but, as always, you should learn in advance what each site has to offer so you can be prepared and have the best experience possible. You can ask baronial members, because most often, the sites used for the events are very familiar to them already.

Usually at the end of the day before the feast (or at some point), there will be court. Sometimes recognitions and awards happen during the day at events, as well. But court is where it mostly all happens. On this page you will find all the information about the awards given out in our Kingdom of Meridies: http://www.sca.org/awards/merid.html

After court, there is probably going to be a fabulous ball where there are refreshments and dancing and music. Stay and watch, even if you aren't feeling up to doing any of the dances quite yet!

As mentioned, you can always ask around to see who from your group might be going. It's a lot more fun when you know someone so never be shy to ask if you might accompany someone during the day if you'd like! If you're new, you should be well taken care of anyway, with guidance and pointers freely given. :)

Related Links:

The Canvas Castle - a place to see what sort of tents, camping furniture, etc experience others are having -- https://www.facebook.com/groups/471086229603006/Canvas%20Castle