Pennsic 50

I’m back to writing my tradition “top ten” moments of Pennsic! I try to write my thoughts and feelings down within a day or two of being home, that way the memories are fresh and I can look back and reminisce later. This practice has really helped keep my love for the SCA and Pennsic War going over the years, especially during the plague times! So, in no particular order…

• Running Grimmsfield camp. This was the second year that my husband (now Master Cataldo Querini) and I have assumed responsibility of camp, but my first year as an official Land Agent. While I learned a lot about the Land Agent process and feel prepared if we end up in charge again next year, the real joy of running a camp is bringing folks together and having a great time. We had 18 people (from four different Kingdoms!) in camp during Middle Weekend, which was the most populated time, and I truly enjoyed the comraderie of our camp mates. I am very fortunate and grateful to be surrounded by good, fun-loving folks who ensure that my two week vacation is an absolute blast! We were even graced by the presence of Master Grimm, himself, aka Darren!

• Running Newcomers Point and the Newcomers Track of Classes for the last year. I’ve been running Newcomers Activities at Pennsic since 2019 and while it’s been absolutely wonderful, it is time for me to move on! This year we worked extra hard for Pennsic 50 and were open every day from 10am-6pm. In addition to sitting at Point nearly every day for at least an hour, I also taught six hours worth of Newcomers classes. I’ve met some awesome people over the years doing this job, but I can’t lie – it will be nice to take a break!

• Watch shifts! This year I did two watch shifts, one with my friend Lady Celestria from 10pm-1am, and the other with my husband from 5-8am. I love doing watch shifts at night/early morning. For me, it is when Pennsic is at its most “magical”: torches and candlelight, smelling woodsmoke from camp fires, the sound of drums, and watching the sun rise.

• Atlantian Fortnite. This year I was honored to assist with three vigils on Sunday of Middle Weekend. My husband was recognized for the Order of the Laurel, my (former) Peer Duchess Adelhait for the Order of the Pelican, and my friend Master Bumi for the Order of the Chivalry. Our friends and campmates were a huge help in assisting with set up and tear down/providing food and drink. While the weather tried to derail our plans, once the skies cleared it turned into a beautiful evening. Again, I’m very grateful for the people in my (and my husband’s life) who were able to make this happen with their hard work and effort!

• The Roman Bacchanal! Honestly this always makes my top ten because it is A SPECTACLE. The Courtesan’s Guild did an amazing job running this party, as they do every year, and I love to see the improvements/additions that are made each time. My only regret is that we didn’t get a photo of the eight of us (from our camp) that attended because we truly looked amazing that night!

• Nights around the campfire. This year we spent a lot of time at night around the fire or under the dayshade (if it was raining) and were fortunate to have some wonderful bards entertain us. One of our newest campmates, Lady Signy, has an absolutely amazing voice and I am so glad that she shared her talents with us this year!

• Atlantian Court. While the vigil for my husband and friends was Sunday of Middle Weekend, their elevations took place on Wednesday at Atlantian Court. I have to say that our camp and household(s) all looked amazing! We really dressed up and looked absolutely fabulous. Again, I feel so lucky to be surrounded by such a great group of people!

• The Return of Octobar. I was very happy that my favorite bar at Pennsic was back this year! A big group of our campmates all went out on Thursday of Peace Week and had a great time. Next year we will have to go out more than once!

• Duchess Shenanigans. Last year was the beginning of a new tradition, started by Duchess Mary Grace and Duchess Adelhait, of dressing up and wandering Pennsic at night causing a Ruckus™. This year the theme was “Unicorn Party” and the game was “Duchesses Make a Deal”. If you happened to see a wandering herd of blinking unicorns on Tuesday of War Week, that was us! Hopefully you enjoyed the entertainment!

• Shopping! The shopping at Pennsic is truly the best of any SCA event in the Knowne World. I was very excited to see some new merchants there this year and as a result, I spent a fair amount of money on garb and accessories. I also got to pick out some nice gifts for friends, which I very much enjoyed. I do love being a gift giver!

Overall, Pennsic 50 was a great time! I tried very hard to balance activity with rest this year, especially considering some ongoing health issues and fatigue that I’ve been experiencing. As a result, I did not participate in as many activities as I usually do. But I am hopeful that next year will be a bit more active and I can return to doing a lot of the fun things that I enjoy, like archery and waterbearing! Only 347 days until next time!