Today, our local libraries celebrated the start of their summer reading program with Librarypalooza, an annual party for children. (Tonight the teens will celebrate with a zombie prom) The library we went to had freezer pops for the kids and a small renaissance faire put on by the SCA or Society for Creative Anachronism.
The SCA is not to be confused with LARP groups, re-enactors, or even Hollywood. They train to fight in a historically accurate manner, using rattan or bamboo weapons instead if steel. Bleeding would be a little too accurate.

The SCA had several demonstrations, including sword fighting and archery. Several knights took each other on as we watched. We could hear the swords hitting their armor!

Look at the detail on their clothing and armor. As far as I know, most members of SCA make their own garb, including chain mail. I can only imagine how long that hood took!

I love that they flew banners outside their tents. It reminded us all of Game of Thrones. I feel like I was at a real exhibition.

Here are two of the knights fighting to the “death:”

It was a very fun way to spend a Saturday morning and get us ready for a certain season finale (the kids only watch the opening theme). We can’t wait until November to visit a full-scale Renaissance faire!