Nobility, merchants and gentlefolk assembled this month at Ed Levin Park for merriment, combat tournaments, hearty food and general enlightenment. The Province of Southern Shores, a local chapter of the Society of Creative Anachronism, pitched colorful tents and stepped back to the Middle Ages at Spring Valley Pond last weekend.

The Society of Creative Anachronism (SCA) is an international association of people who are interested in pre-17th Century life and skills. A peek at the SCA website shows that there are guilds where one can learn such things as archery, brewing, costuming, weaving, glassblowing or court dancing. Linda Levy, a participant at this gathering, said, “We try to make research, study and facts fun and interesting.”

The combat tournaments initially attracted several SCA members, and they have since broadened their interests to other facets of life in the Middle Ages. A youth of 16 with parental permission may take up the broadsword and learn to do battle, but must also learn chivalry and honor before he/she may be knighted.

Chapters of the SCA generally have 10 to 12 gatherings a year where they share stories, facts and fun. They also give back to the community with service projects. This chapter is helping the Ed Levin Park rangers with maintenance and park clean up. The park waives a portion of a group’s entry fees in exchange for service projects that benefit the park. “It’s a win-win,” said Ranger Michael Maximovich about the arrangement.

Want to spend a weekend in chain mail vying for a young maid’s hand? Perhaps singing ballads and playing a lute is more your mug of grog? If you would like to learn more or to find your local chapter, click here.