Renaissance Weekend

Once a year Glendale Campground is closed. A group called the SCA rents the entire campground the third weekend every May. The SCA stands for The Society for Creative Anachronism. We call this weekend Renaissance Weekend.

 

Here is a little information I got from the SCA website.

 

"The SCA is an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe. Our "Known World" consists of 19 kingdoms, with over 30,000 members residing in countries around the world. Members, dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, attend events which feature tournaments, royal courts, feasts, dancing, various classes & workshops, and more."

 

Last year Kelli and I got to experience Renaissance weekend for the first time. I thought it was a little strange that some of these people drive for hours just to dress up and play games but after seeing some of the events I thought it was kinda cool too. I couldn't wait for this year when Meric would get to see it too.

 

 
People start coming into the campground on Friday to set up. There are lots of tents and battlefields to prepare. Just like in medieval times there are kings and queens, knights and peasents. Everyone has their station and responsibilities. By Saturday morning the campground is transformed. There is a merchants and artisans row where people spend the day making and selling there wares. There is an archery section and another section for people to duel. One of the main fields is roped off for the big battles.



The battle begins



The ones lying on the ground "died"

Watching the battles is pretty cool. There are two different groups that start on either end of the field. When ready they run at each other and battle with fake swords and shields. When hit in a certain spot they fall down dead on the battlefield. It is really entertaining and these people are very intense while fighting.

 

 

Dressing up in medieval clothes and battling with swords is not normal but I kind of understand it. It is their hobby, what they do for fun. Someone might think my hobbies of geocaching or backpacking are weird too. I guess as long as you enjoy it who cares what anybody else thinks. I know I enjoy watching them.