Pageantry in the Park a great success

Monday, July 14, 2008

Evansville, IN (TNR) - With the clash of swords and clang of armor, Sunday saw the Society for Creative Anachronism's annual Pageantry in the Park public demonstration at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve in Evansville.

Put on by the SCA's Shire Riviere Constelle of the Midrealm kingdom, the demonstration included showings of fencing (in the round, that is, not the line fencing of modern sports), heavy armored combat, and Medieval and Renaissance era arts and crafts.

The majority of the afternoon was taken up by fencing demonstrations in several different styles, including single sword, sword and buckler, and Florentine two weapon style. One combatant, going by the moniker of Lady Calivorri, went nearly undefeated while The Nerd Report was on the scene, losing only one single combat fencing match throughout the two hours observed.

The heavy fighting matches were less one-sided in victories, and included their own assortment of weapons, including sword and shield, axe and shield, and large two-handed axe.

All participants wore heavy protective gear, and it is not recommended that these activities be tried by the untrained without the necessary protection.

In addition to combat demonstrations, there were displays of medieval arts, jewelry, arms, and armor, as well as a short demonstration of period music.

The Society for Creative Anachronism is an international educational group that focuses on preserving and reenacting Medieval and Renaissance history. More information is available at http://www.sca.org