Spring Coronation
Coronation was one of the most FUN events I have been to in a while. I usually have fun at any event, but this one was just... Exceptional.
It was a Schembart Carnival theme, and so their were teams that you signed up for and then then competed in games to win points. This meant that EVERYONE got to participate and not just spectate. It was so relaxed and playfully competitive and just... awesome.
There were Potato Sack and 3-legged Races (of which my Former Ward and I smoked the little kids we were competing against).
Team and Two-Man Tug-o-War.
There WAS some pick-up fights, rapier, and steel fighting if you wanted to get some practice in, but the focus was the games.
Palio Stick Palfrey Races! And if you were not lucky enough to own one of your own, wild ones could be caught in the nearby woods and ridden through the obstacle course.
Stone Throwing!
And the most epic Rock-Paper-Scissors Competition I have seen in a long time.
And then to top it all off, my Squire Brother was presented his Silver Osprey (a fighting award that comes with an Award of Arms) after having been drinking for... a bit.
King> Hey there.
SB> Hi.
King> How you feeling?
SB> To be honest, I'm a little drunk.
And then my Squire Nephew (aren't Household Family Trees AMAZING?) and amazing friend who shuns attention and recognition was made a Companion of the Opal, a service award that comes with an Award of Arms.
King> Why you look so mad?
SN> My wife asks me the same thing, your Majesty.
Queen> It's called RBF.
In the end, Team Bear (the team most of our Shire signed up for) won the Carnival for bragging rights.
I hope to see more events carry on in this same style. Less emphasis on the fighting (though I do love watching and participating) and more on the populace and how to celebrate them, their diversity, and comraderie. Bringing everyone together to interact more and to build the dream.
