The Feast of St. Erasmus

A day to celebrate All things Nautical! Come celebrate the Patron Saint of Sailors.

(Read the fun fictional Feast of St. Erasmus story, parts 1 2 and... 3? here)

Erasmus was also known as Elmo. He was the bishop of Formiae, Campagna, Italy, and suffered martyrdom during Diocletian's persecution of the Christians. He once fled to Mount Lebanon during the persecution and lived a life of solitude there for some time, being fed by a raven. After the emperor discovered his whereabouts, he was tortured and thrown in prison. Legend claims that an angel released him and he departed for Illyricum. He eventually suffered a martyr's death and was one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.

Legend records that when a blue light appears at mastheads before and after a storm, the seamen took it as a sign of Erasmus's protection. This was known as "St. Elmo's fire". The blue electrical discharges under certain atmospheric conditions have also been seen on the masks or riggings of ships. Erasmus is also invoked against stomach cramps and colic. This came about because at one time he had hot iron hooks stuck into his intestines by persecutors under Emperor Diocletian. These wounds he miraculously endured. His Feast day is June 2nd, but we are celebrating early!

The Feast of St. Erasmus will be held at the verdant Camp Wabak, (36 Camp WaBak Rd. Marietta, SC 29661). The site features a lovely, shaded field with plenty of space for period pavilions and merchants.

After traversing the Seven Seas, The "Laughing Rouge Tavern" will be making port at the Feast of St Erasmus and providing pub fare. Snack type items will be available as well as sodas. Fresh Fruits, cheeses, bread, some various sweet items to tempt the palate.

The Tavern/ bazaar will be set up on the Merchanting Field. The Laughing Rogue Tavern is also sponsoring a "Yard Arm Sale" as well. Proceeds to go to the Atlantian Pennsic Party.

Armored Fighting and Rapier Fighting

Fighters will face challenging scenarios related to some of the nastier types of sailors, including a Treasure Hunt and a Battle for the Treasure to keep it from being “pirated away.” The winning team will divvy out the contents of the Treasure Chest!

Special Note: There will be a treasure chest for each fighting form containing prizes donated from various sources, including Zen Warrior Armory!

Combat Archery

Combat Archery will be included in the treasure battle scenarios and the booty!

Target Archery

Archers will be challenged to protect their ship from attackers. There will also be a shoot for pirate “Booty.”

Prince Royal Eric will sponsor an archery shoot. He will award a prize to the archer with the best score of the day.

Non-Martial Activity

For those who are NOT "Martially Inclined" there will be a Swashbuckling Course during the day and “After Feast” activities include A Drum Circle Lead by Baron Achbar and Lord Marcus Octavious, A Bardic Circle Lead by Baroness Graciella Esperanza, and Dancing Lead by Lord Geldamar.

Arts and Science competitions will be centered on all things Nautical. There is no "Open A&S."

There will be a separate Bardic Competition for Best Nautically Themed entry or a Sea Chantey lead by Baroness Graciella Esperanza. Documentation for Bardic is appreciated but not required.

Arts and Sciences competitions will be separated between Youth and Adults. Youth and Adult categories are the same, for the most part. The law of the land prevents certain categories for our younger populace to enter. Attempt at documentation is greatly appreciated.

Youth A&S for ages 5-11 years will be divided into two groups: age 5-8 and age 9-11.

Princess Royal Katherine will sponsor a competition of the best A&S display done by a youth younger than 16.

Competition Categories

1. Bardic Competition for Best Nautically themed entry (Baroness Graciella Esperanza)
2. Best use of Ropes (knots, rigging, making)
3. Best Creation of a Ships Figurehead
4. Wood Carving / Working: anything that a crew member may have created or made
5. Best use of grog (must be 21)
6. Maps / Artwork: to include, but not limited to, illuminations, scrolls,or medieval graffiti - in so far as a nautical theme can be seen
7. Subtleties: Anything nautical. Please make sure it's fit for human consumption! (this could be your dessert)
8. Brewing: Cordial, Mead, Wine, and Beer (must be 21)

Plan on the populace tasting your finest brew, please enter enough for everyone to enjoy.

A feast to please the Palate and the Eye will be brought forth from the Galley by Les Gloutonnerie Souteneur (The same group that has spoiled us from the last 4 “Feast of’s”)

***Please note: There will be a Children’s Feast provided Free of Charge. Please alert the Reservationist if you wish for your child to attend the Children's Feast. Children will be welcome at the “Regular Feast,” but to reserve a seat for them will be full price.

Tenting is not permitted by the site. There are cabins available on site for those who wish to stay overnight.

Deluxe Cabin

Deluxe cabins include heating /AC and their own bathrooms. Each deluxe cabin has bunks for 10 people.

Standard Cabin

Standard cabins and tents have bathrooms located in a separate building nearby. Standard cabins have bunks for 6 people. Tents have cots for 4 people. Both standard cabins and tents have a lot of floor space and can accommodate cribs or air mattresses.

Tent Cabins

Pre-Register and save on your site fee and cabin fees!! Paid reservations must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2008 to receive the bonus!

There is a $3.00 non-member surcharge, regardless of pre-registration.

Troll opens Friday at 5:00 PM, and closes at midnight. Troll re-opens Saturday morning at 8:00 AM and closes at 2:00 PM.

Everyone must be OFFSITE by 12:00 NOON on Sunday.

This is a wet site; drinking is permitted, drunkenness is not. No pets are allowed. Smoking is NOT permitted in any building. No flames, open or enclosed, are permitted anywhere on the site, except in the fire rings and fire places. The site gets very dark at night – gentles are advised to bring lanterns to light their way. The site is reasonably accessible for gentles with physical limitations, except for the cabins. Please contact the autocrat in advance with any concerns.

Merchants: Please contact Lord Antonio Felluci at psalterydreams to reserve space.

Reservations: Lady Janna of Falcon Cree (Janna Holden), 110 McArthur St., Easley, SC 29642, 864-859-9989. E-mail: Exchequer.

Make checks payable to: The Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. - Canton of Falcon Cree

36 Camp WaBak Rd. Marietta, SC 29661 (link to MapQuest)