Huntsman’s Harvest 2024

October 5th, 2024

Germania Park Campground, 4221 Trinity Church Rd, Binbrook, ON, L0R 1C0

Entry

The Barony of Ben Dunfirth presents Huntsman’s Harvest at the Germania Park Campground, 4221 Trinity Church Rd, Binbrook, ON, L0R 1C0

You must check in with the Gatekeeper when you arrive. You will also be required to sign a waiver if you are attending as a non-member. Pre-registration is not required.

Note: Site is dry, with the exception of the Brewer’s Competition.

Attending with Children

SCA events are open to people of all ages, but parents of children will need to sign a waiver at the Event Gate for their children.

However if you are bringing a child for whom you are not the parent, or legal guardian, you will need to bring:

  1. A complete signed minor waiver or signed blue card
  2. A complete signed minor medical waiver (2 copies)​

Please see Ealdormere’s Attending with Children page for more details.

New to the SCA?

Please see our FAQ section below for more information on what to expect.

Entry Fees

Adult

$1500for members
  • $25 for non-members

Youth (under 18)

Freeanytime
  • Free for non-members

Adult Camping

$4500Thursday—Sunday
  • $55 for non-members

Adult Camping

$4500Friday—Sunday
  • $55 for non-members

Weekend Camping

$4000Saturday—Sunday
  • $50 for non-members

Day Trip (any single day)

$3000anytime
  • $40 for non-members

Youth (under 18)

Freeanytime
  • Free for non-members

*Cheques must be made out to “SCA – Ben Dunfirth”

Location

Germania Park Campground

4221 Trinity Church Rd, Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0

Gate Hours

10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Please note: If there is no attendant at Troll, please seek out an Event Steward to assist you with checking in.

Lunch & Feast

Lunch

Lunch tickets may be purchased for $7 per person at the Gate. All lunches come with a choice of one entrée and sides while quantities last. Drinks are free/by donation.

Entrée:

Beef Barley Stew

Beef, Pearl barley, Beef broth & Beef broth concentrate, Worcestershire sauce, Soy sauce, Onions, Celery, Carrots, Mushrooms, Garlic, Canola oil, Salt, Black pepper, Thyme, Rosemary

Beef Stew (gluten free)

Beef, Beef broth (water, beef stock, beef extract, salt, yeast extract, caramel, natural flavour, high oleic sunflower oil, carnauba wax, onion juice, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate), Gluten-free Worcestershire sauce (apple cider vinegar, molasses, cane sugar, tamari [soybeans, salt, alcohol, koji], salt, tamarind, ginger, lemon juice concentrate, garlic powder, onion powder, xanthan gum, shiitake mushroom powder, allspice, red pepper, orange extract, clove, natural smoke flavor, lemon extract), Gluten-free Soy sauce, Onions, Celery, Carrots, Mushrooms, Garlic, Vegetable/Canola oil, Salt, Black pepper, Thyme, Rosemary

Lentil Soup (vegan)

Vegetable broth, (Water, Vegetable base (vegetable juice concentrate [carrot, celery, celeriac, onion, cabbage], natural flavour, vegetables [carrots, celery, cabbage, onions, parsley]) Sugars, [brown sugar, dextrose], Salt, Citric acid, Spice extracts [celery, onion, garlic, soy lecithin]) Coconut milk, Onions, Garlic, Celery, Carrots, Dried red lentils, Baby spinach, Lemon juice, Olive oil, Fresh parsley leaves, Curry powder, Salt, Pepper, Vegetable bouillon (Sea salt, Palm oil, Sugars, [sugar, corn maltodextrin], Natural flavour, Rice flour, Dehydrated onion, Extra virgin olive oil, Disodium inosinate and disodium guanlylate, Spices and herbs).

Sides:

Selection of buns (gluten-free crackers available on request), hard-boiled eggs, fresh-cut vegetables, seasonal fruit, and Skor brownies.

Drinks:

Coffee, hot chocolate, or pop

Feast

Feast will be the traditional Huntsman’s Harvest’s potluck. Please bring your favourite potluck dish to share.

If you are bringing a crock pot, please bring an extension cord or a power cord. It may not be needed, but better too many than too few.

IMPORTANT: Please make sure you include a clearly marked card with ALL ingredients in your dish, especially any allergens.

Feast

Feast will be the traditional Huntsman’s Harvest’s potluck. Please bring your favourite potluck dish to share.

Notes on what to bring:

  • Serving platters & utensils: Serving spoon, ladle, knife, cutting board (whatever will work for your dish). Please make sure to get your dish ready for serving if it needs last minute prep.
  • An ingredient list: Please clearly mark all allergens. NO NUTS PERMITTED.
  • Your feast gear: A plate, bowl, cutlery, cup, etc.
  • Crockpot: If you bring a crockpot, please also bring an extension cord or power bar. If you bring a crockpot you should check on it occasionally throughout the day. Don’t pile up many crockpots on one electrical outlet.

Remember to collect your leftovers and serving dishes quickly after feast. The site expects us to take our garbage with us, so that would be a great help to event staff.

We looking forward to sharing a delicious meal with all of you!

IMPORTANT: Please make sure you include a clearly marked card with ALL ingredients in your dish, especially any allergens. ABSOLUTELY NO NUTS OF ANY KIND.

Okami Chaya

The Okami Household will be hosting an Okami Tea House, located in the old building, at the bar.

Open from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, while quantities last.

All items are free, however, donations are welcome and appreciated!

Cups will be available, however, please feel free to bring your own drinking mug.

Drinks

  • Hot tea and coffee
  • Iced tea and coffee
  • Mango lemonade
  • Both dairy & non-dairy milk/cream options available
  • Alternative sweeteners available

Snacks

  • Onigiri filled with tuna salad 
  • Pork floss
  • Homemade pickled daikon 
  • Other pre-packaged snacks
Noble Ascelyn of Ben Dunfirth and Honourable Lady Katrina Prebensdottir smiling, sitting at a table during a mead tasting

Full Schedule

Please note: All tournament activities are marshal or royalty-dependent. Times given are approximate as tournament lengths will depend on the number of participants. A herald will announce when a tournament is imminent. Please see the below sections for more details on how and when tournaments will be running.

10:00 AM – Event gate opens

10:00 AM – Thrown Weapons | Range setup

  • Their Royal Majesties’ Champion Tournament
  • Baronial Champion Tournament
  • Huntsman’s Tournament
  • Yeoman of the Wolf Throw

10:00 AM – Archery| Range opens/Inspections begin

  • Their Royal Majesties’ Champion Tournament
  • Baronial Champion Tournament
  • Yeoman of the Wolf Throw

10:15 AM – Order of the Crucible Meeting

After Crucible Meeting – Order of the Laurel Meeting

10:30 AM – Rapier | Authorizations & Inspections

11:00 AM – Rapier | Tournaments start*

  • Their Royal Majesties’ Champion Tournament
  • Poker Card Tournament
  • Cadet Tournament
  • Baronial Champion Tournament

11:30 AM – Armoured | Authorizations & Inspections

12:00 PM – Armoured | Tournaments start*

  • Queen’s Champion Tournament
  • Baronial Champion Tournament
  • Poker Card Tournament
  • Hungry Barbarian Tournament

12:00 PM – Lunch Table Opens

1:00 PM – Event gate closes

3:00 PM – Brewer’s Competition at Town Hall

4:00 PM – Preserves Competition at Town Hall

5:00 PM Evening Court

After Evening Court Potluck Feast

*Please see below sections for more details on specific events.

Lady Mabel Juniper reads out a scroll during evening court

Major Events

10:00 AM – Event gate opens

10:15 AM – Order of The Crucible Meeting

Their Majesties, King Crispin and Queen Anne will meet with Their Order of the Crucible at Huntsman’s Harvest.

After Crucible Meeting – Order of the Laurel Meeting

Their Majesties King Crispin and Queen Anne will meet with Their Order of the Laurel at Huntsman’s Harvest.

1:00 PM – Event gate closes

5:00 PM – Evening Court

Their Majesties will hold an Evening Court, alongside Their Excellencies of Ben Dunfirth to address the populace.

Immediately after Court – Potluck Feast

Please see above for more information about the potluck feast.

Many coloured bottles of mead, wine, and other alcohols are lined up on a counter to be tasted

Arts & Science
Activities

Please note: All activities are currently pending and are subject to change without notice.

3:00 PM – Brewer’s Competition (Town Hall)

Brewers and Tasters alike are invited to participate* in Ben Dunfirth’s annual Brewer’s Tasting Contest. Bring your cordials, wines, beers, and spirits!

Brewers are asked to please submit only one beverage. More information will be available closer to the event date.

(*Must be 19+ to participate)

4:00 PM – Preserves Competition (Town Hall)

Bring out your jams!

Bring your best jams, jelly, compotes, and ferments for the the Preserves Competition at Huntsman’s. More information will be available closer to the event date.

Lord Cavin and Honourable Lord Dave of Ben Dunfirth fencing in a field

Armoured & Rapier
Activities

Please note: All tournament activities will succeed one after the other. Times given are approximate as tournament lengths will depend on the number of participants. A herald will announce when a tournament is imminent.

Armoured Combat

11:30 AM – Armoured Combat | Authorizations & Inspections

Armoured fighters who are not yet authorized may undergo the authorization process by fighting another opponent under the marshal’s instruction and review.

All combatants who would like to participate in a tournament must seek out a marshal to have their weapons and armour inspected.

12:00 PM – Queen’s Champion Tournament

A tournament will be held to determine her Majesty’s Champion of martial arms. Any citizen of Ealdormere authorized in armoured combat is encouraged to compete. The winner of the tournament will stand behind her in her defense and will be regarded as a shining example of their chosen discipline.

The champion will be expected to join Her Majesty and stand behind her during court when they are present at events.

Baronial Champion Tournament

Runs after the Queen’s Champion Tournament. A herald will announce when the tournament is to begin.

This Tournament will run for all Martial Activities: Armoured Combat, Rapier Combat, Thrown Weapons, and Archery. It will occur at the respective Marshal’s discretion if not listed below and will be announced by the Herald during the event.

Click here for more information on Baronial Championship.

Poker Card Tournament

Runs after the Baronial Champion Tournament. A herald will announce when the tournament is to begin.

Fighters compete in a bearpit-style tournament. Every win against your opponent gets you a playing card. The combatant with the best poker hand at the end of the tournament is named the champion.

Hungry Barbarian Tournament

Runs after the Poker Car Tournament. A herald will announce when the tournament is to begin.

Have you ever wanted to hit your friends with a Dane axe, Mjolnir, and a bar stool all within an hour? The Hungry Barbarian Tournament has you covered. Bring your weird and wonderful weapon creations (and your full gauntlets) and get ready to do battle with a bar stool.

Rapier
Activities

Please note: All tournament activities will succeed one after the other. Times given are approximate as tournament lengths will depend on the number of participants. A herald will announce when a tournament is imminent.

10:30 AM – Authorizations & Inspections

Rapier fighters who are not yet authorized may undergo the authorization process by fighting another opponent under the marshal’s instruction and review.

All combatants who would like to participate in a tournament must seek out a marshal to have their weapons and armour inspected.

11:30 AM – Their Royal Majesties’ Champion Tournament

The champion will be determined by feats of arms. Any citizen of Ealdormere authorized in the activity is encouraged to compete and the champions will be chosen from the participants in each activity.

The tournament winners will be named as TRM’s Kingdom Champion for the duration of Their Majesties’ reign. Champions will be expected to join Their Majesties and stand behind them during court when they are present at events.

Poker Card Tournament

Runs after Their Royal Majesties’ Champion Tournament. A herald will announce when the tournament is to begin.

Fencers compete in a bearpit-style tournament. Every win against your opponent gets you a playing card. The combatant with the best poker hand at the end of the tournament is named the champion.

Cadet Tournament

Runs after the Poker Card Tournament. A herald will announce when the tournament is to begin.

A Cadet Tournament run for Cadets of Defense.

Baronial Champion Tournament

Runs after the Cadet Tournament. A herald will announce when the tournament is to begin.

This Tournament will run for all Martial Activities: Armoured Combat, Rapier Combat, Thrown Weapons, and Archery. It will occur at the respective Marshal’s discretion if not listed below and will be announced by the Herald during the event.

Click here for more information on Baronial Championship.

Thrown Weapons
Activities

Please note: All range activities are all-day events. You may show up and throw for any tournament at any time. Please let the marshal know which tournament you’re participating in.

10:00 AM – Throwing Range Setup

MIT’s should be at the range at 10:00 AM sharp to assist with range setup. MITs are also encouraged to come and spend time helping run the range.

Range opens/Inspections Begin

Thrown weapons range opens for free throw immediately succeeding range setup. Equipment must be inspected by the marshal before participants start throwing.

Their Royal Majesties’ Champion Tournament

This tournament runs all-day. Any citizen of Ealdormere is encouraged to compete and the champion will be chosen from the participants in each activity. The winners will be named as TRM’s Kingdom Champion for the duration of Their Majesties’ reign.

Champions will be expected to join Their Majesties and stand behind them during court when they are present at events.

Baronial Champion Tournament

This tournament runs all-day. The Baronial Champion Tournament is open to those who call The Barony of Ben Dunfirth home. The winner of the tournament will be named as Their Excellencies of Ben Dunfirth’s champion.

Click here for more information.

Yeoman of the Wolf Throw

The Yeomen of the Wolf is a martial company within the Kingdom of Ealdormere, open to anyone who participates in ranged weapons activities.

Its mandate is to inspire participation in all types of ranged weapons activities; and to expand the frequency and variety of ranged weapons events and tournament types throughout the Kingdom.

See the Yeoman of the Wolf Ealdormere Wiki page for more information.

Archery
Activities

Please note: The archery range will be open for free shoot all day, with the exception of The Champion Tournaments, which will occur at the discretion of the marshal.

10:00 AM – Archery | Range opens/Inspections Begin

Archery range opens for free shoot. Equipment must be inspected by the marshal before archers may shoot with it.

Loaner bows and arrows are available. Please see marshal at the archery range to inquire.

Their Royal Majesties’ Champion Tournament

This Tournament will occur at the discretion of Their Majesties and will be announced by a herald.

Champions will be expected to join Their Majesties and stand behind them during court when they are present at events.

Baronial Champion Tournament

This Tournament will occur at the discretion of Their Excellencies and will be announced by a herald.

The Baronial Champion Tournament is open to those who call The Barony of Ben Dunfirth home. The winner of the tournament will be named as Their Excellencies of Ben Dunfirth’s champion.

Click here for more information.

Yeoman of the Wolf Shoot

This activity will occur all-day. The Yeomen of the Wolf is a martial company within the Kingdom of Ealdormere, open to anyone who participates in ranged weapons activities.

Its mandate is to inspire participation in all types of ranged weapons activities; and to expand the frequency and variety of ranged weapons events and tournament types throughout the Kingdom.

See the Yeoman of the Wolf Ealdormere Wiki page for more information.

Baronial Championship Tournament

Greetings to the good gentles of Ben Dunfirth!

Your Baron and Baroness are searching for their Baronial Champions in the martial fields of heavy weapons, fencing, archery and thrown weapons! These honours will be bestowed upon those worthies who compete and triumph in our Baronial Championship tournaments occurring at Huntsman’s Harvest this coming Saturday! So come one, come all to our Championship tournament, held at each of the fields of honour at a time determined by the Marshals.

This honour will last for a year, have very few public duties involved (outside of bragging rights), and will include a fetching sash to wear at our evening Court at Huntsman’s, our Murder Melee event, and any other events Ben Dunfirth hosts in the year. Qualifications for consideration: you must play for the Barony of Ben Dunfirth, and be of legal age to participate in the martial activity/ies chosen. Best of luck to you all, and we look forward to next weekend’s event!

-Their Excellencies Jørgen and Meredyth, Baronials of Ben Dunfirth

FAQ

Can I bring personal presences?

Yes! Everyone is welcome to bring their sunshade, chairs, picnic blanket, etc. However please do not bring your tent or your flint & steel. We’ll get in trouble if we start a fire.

Do I have to pre-register?

No pre-registration is required. All you need to bring is your entry fee, membership card (if applicable) and your finest self!

Do we have both the hall and the pavilion?

Yes! Both halls will be available. The Potluck Feast will be taking place in Town Hall (the main building) this year.

Is this a LARP?

No. We are a historical anachronist group devoted to the research and recreation of pre-seventeenth century skills, arts, combat, culture, etc. We maintain our own political structure through a system of rank, awards, positions, and honours to reward participants’ accomplishments and service.

SCA members generally also pick a historic name to go by and often craft an entire “persona” for themselves focused on a particular time and place. Some dedicated individuals may attempt to act as their persona would. However, while SCA events may contain aspects of roleplaying, as we embrace the historical characters that we portray, our events do not contain any live-action roleplaying in the same sense that a LARP would.

While the SCA may also contain some aspects of fantasy, we are a historically-focused group and we encourage playing within the realm of historical anachronism (See: What is the SCA? for more information).

Is this a Ren Faire?

No. The Society for Creative Anachronism differs quite a bit from a Ren Faire.

Renaissance Festivals are generally an interactive event that recreates a Renaissance or Medieval village or setting. They usually feature actors and performers who maintain a character throughout and aim to entertain attendees. Dressing up in garb is not required for Ren Faire attendees.

At a Ren Faire, attendees come to watch, whereas SCA events are about active participation. We are devoted to the research and recreation of pre-seventeenth century skills, arts, combat, culture, etc., and our events focus on participating in these activities (See: What is the SCA? for more information).

As someone who may be newly interested in the SCA, you are, however, not required to participate in any ongoing activities and we welcome and encourage watching and asking questions!

The SCA’s only requirement while attending an event is a “reasonable attempt” at garb, as to not disturb the immersion of attendees.

Not sure what to wear? Not a problem! Our events have what we refer to as Gold Key, otherwise known as our loaner garb. Please see below for more info!

I don’t have any garb! What do I do?

Not a problem! If you don’t have enough garb then we will happily clothe you. We recommend that you bring a belt and a pair of non-denim pants, but if you have neither, denim pants are fine and we can steal someone else’s belt when they’re not looking.

The Gold Key totes containing our loaner garb will be kept at Gate. Please ask for our Chatelaine, Gabriel, and they will be happy to help find you something comfortable to wear!

Do I need a membership to attend?

No. You are not required to buy a membership; membership is completely optional.

We recommend considering a membership if/when you decide to attend events on a regular basis, as a membership allows you to pay a lower entry fee.

Are there accessibility accommodations available?

Yes! Our events aim to be friendly to all attendees, including those who require accommodations.

Are your events LGBTQIA2S+ friendly?

Extremely! Ealdormere is proud to host a very diverse crowd, and we’re happy to welcome anyone and everyone without prejudice. The Barony of Ben Dunfirth even flies our very own baronial pride flag!

I have more questions. Who should I contact?

Feel free to contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page. We’d be happy to provide more information and answer any questions you may have!

Event Staff & Volunteers