FORT STEWART, Ga. Aca,!" Arts, crafts, music and knightly combat came to life at the George P. Hays Library, Aug. 9 for a special children's story-time, assisted by the Society for Creative Anachronism.
More than 100 community members showed up throughout the day to enjoy the fairytale come to life outside the Fort Stewart library where three pavilions were set up and manned by women in courtly costumes with knights strolling about in Medieval-style armor.
Activities at the event included a children's story-time reading, crown making, dance classes, and a combat demonstration by the SCA warriors using wooden swords made from rattan.
Bobbie Leggins, event coordinator from George P. Hays Library and children's programmer, said overall the event was very good. She said the turnout was wonderful and everyone seemed to have a good time.
"The library and its staff is very grateful to the Society for Creative Anachronism for their support," Leggins said. "They donated their time, material and enthusiasm. They put on quite a show; I believe everyone enjoyed it."
Leggins also thanked the installation's Directorate of Morale, Welfare and Recreation for contributing funds, which went to provide free refreshments to attendees.
Leggins added that children's story-time is popular with the youth and is held every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. at Hays Library. She invites community members to visit, bring their children, and explore the wonderful world of reading. The library's hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 767-2828.
The SCA members who assisted at the event were part of the international nonprofit organization, dedicated to historical research and recreation, according to Darren Newton, known in the SCA as Sir Chinua.
Newton, a person who has distinguished himself as a "knight," said the participants were from a local chapter of the SCA representing the Savannah-Hinesville area called Forth Castle.
Newton said that the SCA was generally focused on medieval to pre-renaissance history and culture, with participation activities that range from soap making to fighting. He said the society has something for everyone, whether a person's interest lies in cooking, garment making, music, dance, or just camping with Family and friends.
The fighting is one of the more visible sides of the SCA with warriors clashing, wearing 14-gauge steel helms, using wooden swords made of rattan.
Rob Hunter, known as Lord Dietrich Von Strohein, said he had a background in boxing and grappling but found the armored combat of the combat related demonstrations to be a little safer, while remaining fun and competitive.
Candy Rehfuss said she joined the SCA nearly four years ago, following an interest in dancing. At the event, she shared her knowledge with children and showed them the Malteese Branle, a traditional folk tune where everyone dances in circles with occasional twirls.
Clicy Cravatt, chatelaine (public relations) for the group said she loved the SCA because of the Family participation aspect and the camaraderie amongst the members. She said people could learn more about their group at www.forthcastle.org.
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