Check out Part 1 on Surviving Coronation at Quad Site

Once you make it to site, things to keep in mind –

Signing in at Gate

• Have your membership card handy. If you don’t have one, don’t worry – it just means another signature on the waiver stating you understand the risks of being at an event.
• Having exact change or even some extra small bills is always appreciated by the folks at gate.
• Have a card but don’t carry it with you? Taking a picture with your device or other electronic proof is sufficient!

Things to Do

• Bardic – After dark, there is almost always a bardic circle, usually at a fire near the Main Erics or near the Castle. You don’t have to perform to be part of the circle. Avacal has a tradition of Pick (“Hey, anyone know a song about dragons?”, Pass (“I’m just here to listen”, or Play / Perform (could be a song, an instrument, a story, a dance, etc.). Don’t know any medieval songs? Extra songbooks are usually there and reading the words from a paper or a device are allowed, and the bards would rather have someone sing “Happy Birthday” or a folk song than feel unwelcome.
• Classes – Check out what’s being taught. Many of the classes are free and it’s an excellent opportunity to sample something of 1 to 2 hours.
• Court – Court is where folks get recognized for what they do. It might be an Award of Arms that starts off your journey in the SCA or it might be someone being recognized for an excellence that has bettered the Kingdom as a whole (as will be the case for this court).
• Fighting – If you are an authorized fighter, there’s a few tourneys happening. If you aren’t but are interested, there is usually opportunity after the fighting to talk to some fighters. If you just want to watch, bring a chair and some sunscreen.
• Handcrafts – If you knit or some other hand craft, it’s useful to have in a bag for things like Court.
• Shopping – There are usually merchants with many wares like clothing, food, and accessories. Bring cash.
• Vigils – Before someone is elevated to Knight or Laurel or Pelican or Master of Defence (their skill, leadership, and effort have made the Kingdom a better place), they will often hold a Vigil where folks gather to share stories about them, have a chance to speak to them with advice or thanks, and a small party. If you don’t know the person being elevated, it’s one way to get to know more about them.

Animals

• There are sometimes reports of wild animals in the region, though odds are against you seeing any. Be aware of this for where you leave your food and trash.
• If you bring your own animal, you are responsible for it. They are expected to be leashed or otherwise under control. There are many pets who are regular visitors to the site and we want to make sure that none of them are at risk.

Family

• When signing in, there is some additional paperwork for minors. If you are responsible for a minor who isn’t your own, there is specific paperwork that needs to be filled out.
• While on site, you should be aware of where your minor is at and they should know where you are as well and where to find their camp.
• There are some youth and family activities usually happening such as youth combat or some youth Arts & Science. A responsible adult is required to be present for these activities.

Courtesy

• Traditionally, we are all considered to be nobles within the SCA. So as we pass by others, a polite nod and a “M’lord”, “M’lady”,”Good gentle” is appropriate.
• If you see someone where a crown or coronet, please give them a nod or bow as you pass them. It’s part of the Dream. If it’s THE Crown, they are likely on their way to a meeting so might not have time to acknowledge your bow and that’s okay.

• We are responsible for our own garbage and want to make sure we leave the site as clean as we found it.
• Smoking is allowed at your own campsite. Please take care to pick up butts.
• Cannabis smoking vaping is only permitted at Cavalier Town (when not being used for fighting) and the Parking Lot.
• Be aware of fire bans and keep on hand materials to extinguish your fire as needed.