Join the Fun

Preparing for your first event.

Types of Events
There are a variety of different types of events you can choose from for you first event.

Local Events - Tend to be fairly small, laid-back events, and usually last only one day. Activities can range from a day of classes, to a day of fighting or fencing, to a day of games. Sometimes there will be a feast, sometimes not, depending on the event. If the event is held in a Barony, there could be a Baronial Court, at which the Baron and/or Baroness might give awards or recognize people for their achievements.

Royal Progresses (RP'S) - Occur when the King and/or Queen attend an event and hold Royal Court. While usually the King and Queen hold Court together, only one need be there to hold Court. Sometimes the Prince and/or Princess may hold Court in the name of the King and Queen if they are unable to attend, but this is unusual. In Royal Court, Kingdom and Society level awards are given and the Royals attend to other official matters.

Universities, Collegiums, and Scholas - Are events at which classes are the focus of the day's activities. These classes may be offered on a wide variety of topics, or they may be restricted to a theme of the event. As an example, you might find an Early Period University at which the classes all cover topics from before the year 1000.

Camping Events - Run over a weekend, or sometimes even longer. People bring camping gear and sleep out, or cabin might be available. Because camping events last longer than day events, there are usually more activities. There might also be other activities not usually seen at day events, such as a bardic circle held around a campfire.

Inter-Kingdom Wars - Are large-scale events involving two or more Kingdoms which usually occur yearly. The largest of these is the Pennsic War, which is a war between the Kingdom of the East and the Kingdom of the Middle, held every August in Western Pennsylvania. Attendance at Pennsic in recent years has exceeded 10,000 people, and activities include numerous battles and hundreds of classes, as well as the best shopping in the Known World. Some other Inter-Kingdom Wards are Estrella War, held in Arizona in February, and Gulf Wars, held in Mississippi in March.

How to choose an event?
So, now that you know what kinds of events are available to you, how do you choose? Your best bet is to start with the event calendar, either from Pikestaff or the East Kingdom Website. Reviewing the list of upcoming events by date and location, you can see what events are coming up near you. Once you've found one close enough, read the event announcement, which will detail the activities scheduled for that particular event, so you can decide if it appeals to you.

The event announcement will then give basic information about the event, including cost, location, start and end times, and directions to the event site. The announcement will also include the name and contact information for the autocrat (the person running the event) and the person in charge of food for the event. You should contact them if you have any questions or dietary concerns.

Before the Event
Once you've decided on an event, you probably want to make a reservation. While not necessary for all events, reserving ahead of time may earn you a discount on the site fee, and it will ensure that a place is set aside for you. This is especially important if you want to eat the feast, as they often have limits on the number of people that can be served.

Note that feasts usually cost extra, so be sure to take this into account when making your reservation. Many even announcements will use the terms on-board, off-board, and out-board when giving the prices for the event. On-board means that you will be included in the feast. Off-board means you'll have space available at a table, but will not be served the meal, so you'll need to bring your own food. Out-board means that you won't be given any space at the feast.

To make your reservation, send a cheque and a note to the person listed in the event announcement. Cheque should be made out to "SCA, Inc - ". Your note should include the names of all the people to be included in the reservation, as well as any other information requested in the event announcement.

Be sure to check the event announcement to see if any food will be offered during the day, as it isn't always. If it is, it will usually be mentioned as day-board or lunch-board, and may cost extra in addition to the site fee. If food isn't offered, you'll probably want to bring at least some sort of snack and drink.

If the event you're planning to attend is far enough away that you won't want to travel home afterward, you have two options. The first is simply to stay at a hotel or motel. The second is to arrange for crash space, which can be anything from a bed in a spare room to space on a floor, at the home of a local member. If you want to take advantage of crash space, you must arrange for it in advance, and observe the rules of being a good house guest - remember to clean up after yourself, and a gift for your host is a good idea.

Packing for the Event
Obviously, you'll need garb. Also don't forget any accessories such as belts, shoes, or hats. If the event will be held outdoors, you might want sunscreen and/or bug repellant, and if the weather is expected to be cold or rainy, you will want suitable outwear. Bringing a chair or stool to sit on can be helpful, and you may also want to bring games, handwork, or something to help pass the time. If you plan to stay for the feast, you'll need to bring your own feast gear, as place settings aren't provided for you. A basic feast gear setting should include a pate, a bowl, a mug or goblet, and flatware. Tablecloths and napkins are also a good idea.

Getting to the Event
Before leaving for the event, make sure you have directions on how to get there. These can be found in the event announcement. As you get close to the event site, you can also look for signs, which are usually posted. Also don't forget cash for any tolls you might encounter on your journey, and a road map can also be very useful. If you'd rather not travel alone, you can usually arrange to ride or caravan with someone else. If you ride with someone, be prepared to pay your share of the gas and trip expenses.

At the event Once you arrive, you'll need to check in at the gate (in some places called the Troll Booth). There, you'll pay for the event if you haven't reserved in advise, sign waivers, pick up schedules and perhaps sign up for available classes. After checking in, the person at the gate can direct you to the changing rooms. Once you're all checked in and changed into garb, you're ready to enjoy your first event.

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