Medieval Times Come to ARISE at the Farm
Syracuse, NY, May 12, 2009 - Sunlight glinted off of polished steel helmets as two armored men faced each other in front of a crowd of onlookers. Both were demonstrating medieval combat techniques at the first Medieval Day at ARISE at the Farm.
On Saturday, May 2, over 100 visitors to ARISE at the Farm experienced a little Renaissance when ARISE and the Barony of Delftwood, the local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), partnered to create Medieval Day. In addition to the medieval combat demonstrated, others showed archery and Renaissance fencing. Games and examples of medieval arts were on display inside pavilions set up for the day. Brightly-colored banners and a viewing gallery of decorated day shades added to the medieval feel.
“We wanted to create a fun and unique day for children with disabilities, their families, and the public,” said Medieval Day organizer Elizabeth Dunn, Development and Public Relations Associate at ARISE and member of the SCA. While some of the demonstrations were for viewing only, many of the activities were hands-on and accessible for people of all abilities.
Visitors handled reproduction medieval helmets and gauntlets, and tried their hands at archery. They tested their skills at games, painted bookmarks like medieval manuscripts, and tried to guess which foods were served in the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Capping the day, visitors learned and performed Renaissance dances with SCA members. ARISE at the Farm staff offered pony rides, and the Chittenango Rotary club sold lunches from “Ye Olde” Chuck Wagon.
“Everyone seemed to have a great time,” said Dunn. “We couldn’t have asked for a better day.”
ARISE at the Farm is a 76-acre integrated recreation facility offering adaptive and therapeutic horseback riding, summer day camps and educational programs. The Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to researching and recreating pre-17th Century Europe. The organization has over 30,000 members worldwide.