Ursulmas

 

Hosted in-person by

The Barony of Aquaterra (Snohomish County, WA )

Event Summary

Event Main Contact (Event Steward): Sabina di Zorzi
Date: January 24 , 2025 until January, 26 2025
Site opens at: 7:00 AM on January 24th 2025
Site closes at: 12:00 PM on January 26th 2025

Event site:
Evergreen State Fairgrounds
14405 - 179th Ave SE Monroe, WA 98272

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This is a Level 1: Other (Branch primary events of regional or Kingdom interest) event.

For convenience: external links will be posted here at the top of the page, though they can also be found lower on this page in their relevant sections.

Nearby amenities – hotels, restaurants, etc.

Unofficial “Sleeping Hall” Facebook group – since there won’t be a Sleeping Hall this year

SCA Pre-registration, lists, and volunteering form and Merchant Application form.

These sites show public dates, times, and other info only:

Main Ursulmas website – Facebook event page – Discord event page

Event Steward: Sabina di Zorzi • SabinadiZorzi@yahoo.com

Royal Liaison: Zahra bint al-Rammah, OP • Zahrabintalrammah@gmail.com

RV Coordinator: HL Umble the Mumbler • Scott.Editor@gmail.com

Hearken, noble populace! The illustrious Barony of Aquaterra summons you to the grand Ursulmas Medieval Faire, a festivity open to all on the 25th and 26th of January, 2025! Prepare to be awestruck as valiant knights clash in exhilarating tournaments, revel in a myriad of engaging youth activities, and embark on a quest through the bustling Marketplace, overflowing with exquisite treasures of all kinds. Found at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe, Washington, this annual gathering is a feast for the senses!

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history as you witness captivating displays and demonstrations that bring the Middle Ages to life. From the spirited competitions of armored warriors, agile fencers, skilled archers, and thrown weapons specialists to the enthusiastic performances by entertainers and musicians, there is no shortage of adventure. Youth are invited to partake in our Youth Armored Combat program, where they will learn the noble arts of chivalry and experience the thrill of friendly competition.

As the day comes to a close, gather for a grand Royal Court, where the very essence of our vibrant community unfolds before your eyes, steeped in medieval splendor. This event is a tapestry woven for all ages, where each guest has the chance to discover new interests and ignite passions that may guide their journey through time.  Join us and let the spirit of Ursulmas awaken the knightly heart within you!

 

Directions from Hwy 2: To get to the right parking lot, you’ll take the first right after turning North onto 179th Ave SE from Hwy 2. There will be a sign reading Evergreen State Fairgrounds. You’ll see a building that also says Evergreen State Fairgrounds just past that parking lot. After parking, please stop and check in at Main Gate at the first door, under the word “Grounds” on that building.

Site rules:
-no bullying (details can be found at the bottom of our website)
-no alcohol
-smoking and vaping in the designated area only
-service animals are allowed, but pets are not
-no parking in front of the Arena
-no entry between the Arena and the Range
-no open flames indoors

We recommend you dress in layers, since some of the event is either outdoors or unheated areas and some is in a nicely warm building.

This event includes the following activities and/or services:
Royal Presence - King
Royal Presence - Queen
Has Merchants
Offers Youth & Family activities
Has Heavy Fighting activities
Has Rapier and/or Cut & Thrust activities
Has Archery activities
Has Thrown Weapon activities
Has Bardic activities
Has Arts & Sciences activities

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Add all events from Aquaterra to your personal calendar (ical format)

Registration Information

Pre-registration is now open until 10:00 PM, January 10^th.  Payment must be received in advance of the event in order to be considered pre-registered and can be made via check or Pay Pal.  Details including payment due dates can all be found on the pre-reg link: 2025 Ursulmas Pre-Reg (google.com)  Pre-reg isn’t only for fighters this year!

Pre-reg only/Armor Drop gate – There will be a separate gate only for those pre-registered in the lobby of the Arena for a short time on Saturday morning.  (Times will be posted closer to the event.)  This is to aid SCA participants to streamline their morning, so there will be no payments being taken at this gate.  Please have your proof of membership ready if you are a member to keep the line moving quickly.  If you don’t have that proof and have not pre-paid the NMR $10.00 charge, you will have to go through the main gate.  Folk dropping things off at the arena, such as armor or benches, will need to check in at a gate first and have their token in hand.  Please don’t leave items in the lobby any longer than you need to.  This temporary gate isn’t only for fighters this year!

Site Fees

Lodging Information

For budgeting reasons, there won’t be a Sleeping Hall this year.  We have put together a list of amenities, including the preferred local hotels in Monroe and Everett, for your convenience.  For that, please click here!

For those trying to connect with others they know to share lodging, there is a Facebook group that has been set up for this purpose.  That can be found here.

RVs on site

Excellent news!  Our Seneschal has secured our use of more RV spaces at Ursulmas.  This means there should be nearly 100 spots available for use!  The only downside is that the additional spots are a small distance from the event, and for safety’s sake, we need folk to not walk or drive on the road between the indoor or outdoor arenas, so you’ll need to drive from your RV spot to the main parking lot via the main road, 179^th Avenue, unless you’re in one of the priority spots near the arena entrance.

To reserve a space in advance, please e-mail our RV Coordinator, HL Umble the Mumbler, at Scott.Editor@gmail.com with your preferences on utilities/location:

• Lot 1 – 80 electric only – $35/day
• Lot 5 – 11 full hookup spots -electric and septic (with water, too, if the weather allows) – $40/day
• no utilities – $30/day
• Priority – 8 electric only spaces near archery/thrown weapons range entrance – for these we would like to be able to prioritize folk with ADA needs, SCA royalty, or merchants, in that order, so please note if any of these apply to you when sending your e-mail! – $35/day

While RV spaces can be reserved in advance, they can’t be paid in advance because the funds belong to the Fairgrounds, so please bring cash or a check to write out to them on site.  Our gate staff will assist with the process when you arrive!

Event Schedule

Tournament Information

Please note: Everyone should review their fighter cards accuracy and expiration dates prior to coming to Ursulmas.

Please take time to talk to non SCA spectators, this is a Demo.

Also, Marshal volunteers are requested for all tourneys.

HEAVY ARMORED COMBAT

Heavy Marshal: HL Loftr Jolgeirsson

Tournament of St. Ursul: Ursulmas Armored Combat Tournament

The traditional round-robin armored combat tournament will once again be held on Saturday at Ursulmas. The top 2 competitors from each eric will advance to a single-elimination Sweet 16 semi-finals. From there, the two finalists will compete in a best 2-out-of-3 finals.

Ursulmas Bear Meat Tournament

This is open to all non-belted fighters who have never won a tournament.

Gideon de Noirville for the Over 40

Come one come all! The Gideon de Noirville memorial tournament for fighters over 40 years. Witness the power of those ancient heroes as they shuffle their way into mortal combat. Feel the earth tremble under your feet as they waddle out to face each other on the field of honor, if they can see that far. HL Gideon Hrafensfuri, bringeth unto all, the 29th annual Gideon de Noirville Memorial Tournament.

Combatants whose years number two score or more are welcome. All shall bear witness as seasoned elders put themselves to the hazard – and once standing, possibly fight. The clash of weapons, the creak of joints, the wheezing war cries! Truly, the path unto glory shalt be shuffled upon! Great fun for all ages!

The Period Kit Tournament

The Period Kit Tournament, this year brought to you by HL Andromacha of Lesbos and Sir Gavinius Brittanicus, is a celebration of those fighters and their kits that inspire us, with their focus on historical appearance. All fighters wishing to enter this tournament must meet the following criteria:

Rules:

1. No visible plastic (except basket hilt/shield bosses, but prefer not having them)

2. Kit must be in good repair (No visible duct tape repairs on equipment)

3. Must be from a single time frame/location

4. Must be able to speak briefly to the public about said kit (location/time frame)

Prize is a shield made by Sir Gavinius Brittanicus and painted by HL Andromacha of Lesbos to be delivered by June Faire.

RAPIER AND CUT & THRUST

All Rapier and Cut & Thrust tournaments will be round robin type divided up by the number of participants and number of erics available.  The goal is to give everyone more fighting than they can stand and keep everyone safe.

Saturday morning following Court:

–          Bear Claw Rapier Tournament, for those that have never won a tournament. (MIC Master Conal MacLaren)

–          Cut & Thrust (MIC Don Sammuel) – Round robin format with once or double elimination depending on number of participants. Side sword/long sword only.

Saturday afternoon:

–          Open Field Tournament (MIC Master Conal MacLaren) – In the Queens Champions Format

Sunday morning:

–          Ice Cream Social Tournament (MIC Master Conal MacLaren) – sponsored by HL Halawa bint Tariq ibn Salih al-Wadi – Silly off hand perry devices will be determined by random chance.

–          Cut & Thrust (MIC Master Feradach) – Round robin format with once or double elimination depending on number of participants. Side sword/long sword only.

Sunday afternoon:

–          Grumpy Old Bear Tournament (MIC Master Conal MacLaren) – Entrants must be over 40 years of age

ARCHERY

(MIC Erikk MacLost, OGGS)

Saturday:

Ursulmas Archery Tournament

–          Handbow tournament featuring a variety of novelty targets spread across all range bands.

Open range

–          Once Saturday’s tournament is done, there will be some time for the range to be open for general use.

Sunday:

Ursulmas Over 40 Archery Tournament

–          Handbow tournament open to archers over 40. Knees are creaky, eyes are weak, so a selection of novelty targets will be set at closer ranges!

Ursulmas Combat Archery Tournament

Come shake the rust off your bow and see where your skill level is at after the winter break! This tournament will be corridor style, exact format to be determined by the number of participants. Don’t be afraid of the cold, fighting will warm you up and how better to end your event than by shooting your friends in the face? Sunday afternoon, 2- 3 pm on the range. Bring your best, 12 missiles total, so a mix of thrown weapons and arrows/bolts is acceptable. Recommend bringing at least 24 to avoid waiting for inspections between rounds.

THROWN WEAPONS

(MIC HL Etolé Marchant)

Saturday:

Ursulmas Challenge

–          One half royal round with several novelty targets.  A half royal round is 10 throws with each weapon: knife, axe and spear.

Open range

–      After the Challenge, there will be some time for an Open Range.

Sunday:

Barely-a-Thrown-Weapon Competition

–          We will be throwing several weapons of Etole’s choice that are not necessarily designed to be thrown, making for a competition that is both comical and challenging!

Youth and Family Activities

Youth Armored Combat

The call has gone out across the land for all of An Tir’s most noble and chivalrous young warriors. It is time once again for the Ursa Minor Youth Armored Combat (YAC) Tournament. Come see our mighty young fighters test their skill against one another in a round robin tournament, vying for honor among their peers while demonstrating their skill, chivalry, and bravery. Entrants must present themselves in armor for inspection prior to the tournament. Youth must be accompanied at all times by an adult guardian with a properly signed medical waiver and be able to sign a single use combat waiver. YAC Fighter Authorization cards are not required to enter, but there will be an opportunity to have one issued following the tournament.

Youth Rapier

HL Seamus MacDonald of Skye has offered to run a Youth Rapier session!  This will be held from 10:30-12:00 on Saturday in the YAC area.  Youth are encouraged to practice with others or even discover this discipline for the first time!

Youth must wear protection (see below) and be accompanied at all times by an adult guardian with a properly signed medical waiver and be able to sign a single use combat waiver. Youth Rapier Authorization cards are not required to participate, but there will be an opportunity to have one issued during this session.

Protection:

1.      The entire torso, (including the chest, back, abdomen, groin, and sides up to and including the armpits) must be covered with abrasion-resistant material.  (Cloth that won’t tear when snagged by an unbroken blade or other normal combat stresses.)

2.      All fighters must protect their groin area with extra layers of clothing or equivalent padding.  Fencers with male anatomy are strongly recommended to wear a youth athletic cup or equivalent rigid groin protection.

Games

We would like to invite you to sit down and play medieval games in Ursulwyck Village.  Games have been a popular pastime throughout the ages and a lot of our modern games have origins spanning from hundreds to even thousands of years in the past.  There will also be game making kits for you to be able to create your own game and take it home!

Please click here for a list of the games that will be featured at this event.

Best Dressed Bear Contest

*Hear ye, noble bears and forest friends of the realm!*

In the spirit of chivalry and honor, I, Saint Ursul, invite you to the grand Ursulmas Tourney and Feast of Saint Ursul. This celebration marks the anniversary of my valiant rescue of the Lady of Aquaterra and stands as a testament to unwavering devotion and knightly valor.

Join us in the Barony of Aquaterra, where we shall celebrate the virtues of courage, loyalty, and honor. Don your finest medieval attire and let the revelry commence! In the spirit of fun we shall have a contest for The Best Dressed Bear (or bear-friend). The Best Dressed will be selected by the Populace. Unless otherwise requested, all entries will be donated to baronial largesse.

May your paws be steady and your spirits high!

*Saint Ursul* 🐻⚔️

URSULWYCK VILLAGE

Ever want to step back in time and see what a medieval village might look like? Ursulwyck Village is a small glimpse into daily life in the Middle Ages. Come immerse yourself in the culture, the art, the food, the crafts, and the games of the people from the feudal era. See weavers and wood carvers at work; learn about food and medicines that were available; and try your hand at a game of Nine Man’s Morris before you head over to the arena to witness the tournaments.

Want to be a part of Ursulwyck and help be somebody’s first glimpse into the SCA?  Want to bond with some of the other artisans from around Kingdom?  Ready to entertain the masses with song and story and dance?  Artisans, Gamers, Dancers, Bards, and more! You are wanted!  Reach out to the Event Steward to be put in touch with the right team member!

BARDIC AND DANCE

The “Glob Theatre” stands ready for performers to shine and entertain the public and their friends. Dancing. Music. Theatre. Clean jokes! Magic. Every talent is welcomed. Even an abbreviated class or demonstration of your armor, costume, personae, or a skill like spinning wool or creating foot-felt.  There will be some scheduled slots, but most of the day, just take the stage (or stand in front of it) and demonstrate, sing, juggle, or balance to your heart’s content. If someone else is waiting to perform, let them on and re-take the stage when they are done. Fun! Faire! Joy!

The Glob Theatre will be stage managed by Sir Brand aux Deus Leons, MPel.  Thanks to The Washington Shakespearean Festival for the loan of their Stages.

QUESTS AND QUESTIONS

To better engage our modern guests, we’re introducing a playful twist inspired by contemporary video games. Throughout the site, you’ll spot Question Marks as balloons above the Newcomer table and smaller ones as badges on individuals who are eager to connect with the public—just like the question marks that hover over intriguing characters in video games.  If you’re willing to be part of this effort, please reach out to the Event Steward!

Building on this idea, we’ll also feature Exclamation Marks at key points of interest, much like quest markers in your favorite games. Plus, we’re organizing a fun quest to encourage guests to explore the diverse aspects of the SCA showcased at this event:

An Ursulmas Quest for our Modern Guests – Sponsored by HL Sabina di Zorzi

Around site, you will find gold exclamation points (!) with numbers and corresponding letters to help you decipher the answer to a riddle. 3 winners will be selected at random from all entries received over the course of the weekend to win a leather pouch adorned with a bear paw print in honor of winning the Ursulmas Quest!

This activity is meant for our modern guests only, so SCA participants shall not be permitted to enter the competition. One entry per guest. To enter the competition, an entrant must complete a form and submit it at our Newcomer’s booth near the main Gate by close of the event Sunday, 1/26, or submit the answer via the link provided on site.

Winners will be notified via e-mail so you can provide a mailing address or make arrangements to meet up at a local SCA gathering in the near future to pick up your prize.

Volunteer Information

Volunteering is vital to all events, but especially our demos.  It takes an army of folk at gate, lists, heralding, marshalling, and more, but we *also* need folk to be docents – be the welcoming folk that help answer questions and help guide folk on this adventure we all love!  If you are able to help at this event and are able to sign up in advance, please fill out our Volunteer form found here.  This is the same form that can be used for pre-reg and lists, but doesn’t have to be completed at the same time.

Merchant Information

Merchant Applications are closed!  For questions regarding Merchanting at Ursulmas, please reach out to the Event Steward or to our Merchant Coodinator, Xenos Makellares at Scrapmaker@vidarleather.shop

This page for event id 8411 was last updated: January 20, 2025
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