Forward to Foxes!

Will this be your first event in the Society for Creative Anachronism? We're glad you are coming! Tourney of the Foxes 2009 will be an experience you will never forget! To help you make the best of your time in by the riverbend, we're doing all we can to help you be prepared for the event and to get started in the Society!

Forward to Foxes - Classes and Workshops

From May to August, in addition to our regular classes and A&S activities, we're going to host classes and workshops specifically designed with newcomers in mind to get you ready for the event! For more information about our classes and workshops, check our calendar!

Forward to Foxes - Newcomer's Pavilion

At Foxes 2009, make your first destination the Newcomer's Pavilion at the corner of the Marketplace and the Warrior's Field. Featuring newcomer's orientation sessions throughout the day, the Newcomer's Pavilion is where you can get outfitted with costuming to borrow for the day, receive resources and guides to inform you about the Society, and get answers to all your questions! Additionally, upon completion of the newcomer's orientation session, you'll get a card which will entitle you to special discounts in The Marketplace.

Forward to Foxes - Hints and Tips

Your first event can be exciting but a little bit confusing, so to help answer any questions you may have, please read over the following helpful hints and tips:

The Society for Creative Anachronism is a historical research society focused on the Middle Ages of Europe. We study the culture, activities, and crafts of the medieval and renaissance periods. Whereas a lot of "renaissance faires" and the like center on entertainment with a medieval theme, we focus on learning and recreating a special environment encompassing the whole of medieval society. You are never required to become a paying member of the Society to attend its events, but there are several benefits mentioned throughout this page to becoming a member.ut this page to becoming a member.

 At any given SCA event, you can expect:

Participants dressed in clothing that mirrors the styles and construction of clothing throughout the Middle Ages. The only requirement to attend an SCA event, besides paying any relevant attendance fees, is to make an attempt at wearing clothing (called garb) from pre-17th century Europe and associated cultures. (At many events, the event staff member called "Gold Key" will have "loaner garb" available for newcomers to try on for the day.)

Artisans working on embroidery, painting, blacksmithing, music, poetry and other period arts and sciences. Newcomers are always welcome to inquire as to the "how" and "what" any given artisan is doing. In many cases, the artisan will even teach you how to do what they're doing. You may learn something you never knew before!

Combatants recreating armored and rapier combat using safety-ensured armor and weapons. These "weekend warriors" train and compete using techniques to replicate combat styles of the Middle Ages. Society armored and rapier combat requires training and authorization to participate, but anyone is welcome to learn the ropes and become authorized to compete in tournaments and other battles. There is a small fee for authorization, but it is waived for Society members.

Cooks preparing recipes based on dishes from the Middle Ages. We go beyond the standard "hunk of turkey on a stick" fare of the faire to complex dishes representing food from England, Italy, Spain, Ireland, France, and many more countries and cultures! These are usually found at "feast," a time when everyone gets together to share in a large meal prepared just for the event.

When you arrive on site for an event, the first stop is at "Troll." This is the registration desk where you sign in and pay your registration fees. If you are a member of the Society, you will receive a discount on your fees every time you attend an event! Once you "troll in," you will be given a "token" on a string or cord to wear. You must keep this in sight at all time as this designates that you are a paid entrant into the event. If you don't already have garb, you will also be directed to the Gold Key officer to borrow some. Be sure to return this to the event staff before you leave!

If you have any questions about anything you see or hear during the event, feel free to ask questions of anyone. Participants in the Society love to share their knowledge and talents with others and are always willing to share with newcomers. A friendly smile and a polite question goes a long way!

A note about event attendance for children and teenagers: we welcome you to come visit the Middle Ages for a weekend. It's a great way to meet people and try out new crafts and skills. However, in the interest of keeping you safe, we do require a parent, guardian, or authorized adult-in-charge to accompany you to the event. You can find out more about this on our newcomer's information page.

Now that you know a little bit more about our events, we invite you to get in touch with our Chatelaine, the newcomers officer, who will provide you with more information about the Society and our local shire. If you have any further questions about our event, please contact the person in charge, known as the Autocrat, who will be glad to assist you. We look forward to seeing you in the Society!