This is the webpage for Falling Leaves AS 37, on September 21, 2002. Check here for information about Falling Leaves AS 38 as autumn approaches.

Falling Leaves
To be held on the Twenty-first day of the month of September
In the Barony of Carolingia
10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Hosted by the Borough of Felding
Autocrat: Anne of Felding and Marlena of Felding
781-283-4524
Autocrat Address:
Caitrin McCullough
Munger Hall
Wellesley College
Wellesley MA 02481
Site Address:
106 Central Street
Wellesley College
Wellesley MA 02481

Tentative Schedule of Events:

9:00 Site Opens

10:00 Gate Opens

10:00 Merchants Open for Business in Alumnae Hall

10:00 Fencing Weapons and Armor Inspection on the Meadow

11:00 Pas d'Armes Weapons and Armor Inspection on the Meadow

11:00 Fencing Tournament Commences

11:00 Thrown Weapons Commences

12:00 Pas d'Armes Commences

2:00 Middle Eastern Dance Demo and Beginner’s Class in Alumnae Hall

4:00 Ladies' Footrace on the Meadow

4:15 Court of His Excellency Jehan begins on the Meadow

5:00 i Sebastiani Performance in Alumnae Hall

6:30 Potluck Feast Begins

8:30 Ball Begins

10:30 Site Cleanup

11:00 Site Closes

Pas d'Armes:

In light of the success of last year's inaugural tournament, Falling Leaves will again be hosting Carolingia's first tournament company, the Coeur de Flamme, as they present a Pas d'Armes. Anyone authorized in heavy list combat is welcome to participate. We encourage fighters to display their heraldry proudly and extensively. If possible, a personal herald to announce you and/or your company would add significantly to the pageantry of this tournament. There will be heralds at the event willing to offer their services.


Sir Thorgeirr Bollasson writes:
Shine your armor, bring your weapons and prepare for a day of High Chivalry and Honor as the Company of the Coeur de Flamme invites One and All to take the field in Glorious Combat at the barrier for singular and melee tourneying. The Pas d'Armes will be based on King Rene's tournament format with prizes, refreshment and mirth for all comers.

Get more background information or check out the Coeur de Flamme web page.
Contact Sir Thorgeirr with questions.
 
 

Fencing:

Lady Lilias de Cheryngton will be running the fencing tournament. Remember that the more fencers who show up the more exciting the melees will be!

 

On the Meadow:

In addition to the fencing and fighting tournaments, there will be other activities occuring on the Meadow and in the Hall throughout the day. These include: Hurling, Middle Eastern Dancing, and singing. If you would like to organize an activity to happen at Falling Leaves, please contact the Autocrat to ensure there will be enough space and time for your activity.

Potluck Feast:

The traditional pot-luck feast is returning to Falling Leaves this year! If you wish to participate in the feast, please bring a period dish that serves at least 8, along with a card stating what the dish is, and what ingredients it contains. Also, if you are bringing non-disposable dishes or serving utensils please label them with an indentifying mark so that they may be easily returned to you. Unfortunately, we have no space to refrigerate dishes -- therefore, please only bring food which will not spoil during the day, or provide your own cooler. We have limited electrical outlets available for crockpots. Please contact the Autocrat to reserve one for your use.


We would like to begin the feast immediately following the i Sebastiani performance. Volunteers to help set up the tables and arrange the food would be greatly appreciated. If you wish to help, simply offer your services when the time comes. For those not participating in the feast, directions to local supermarkets and restaurants will be provided.

If Falling Leaves is your first event, you are invited to partake of our food without making a contribution of your own.

Children's Activities

Lady Rhonwen has graciously consented to run children's activities. Look for a large blanket with brown, orange and yellow squares. All childrens activities will be held, or at least start, there.  Check here closer to the event for a schedule of activities.

Gate:

There will be no site fee for Falling Leaves, although we request that you do check in at gate at some point in the morning. We would like to know the attendance of our event, and we will also be able to provide you with a site map and schedule. Gate will be located outside the lower part of Alumnae Hall.

Merchants:

Merchants are welcome at this year's Falling Leaves. We have indoor space as well as outdoor, and we can provide tables. Merchants are invited to show their wares all day, from the opening of gate until the feast. Please contact the Autocrat with questions or to reserve space/tables.

The Ladies' Footrace:

The Ladies' Footrace is a traditional event at every Falling Leaves. Women of all ages are invited to try to be the first to reach the Baron at the end of the field.  The winner receives a reward from Felding as well as a hug from our most excellent Baron.

Baronial Court:

Court will be held after the Felding Footrace, provided that the Fencing Tournament and Pas d'Armes have concluded at this time. The participants of both tournaments will be recognized, and the Felding Favor will be bestowed. If you have any business for the Court at Falling Leaves, please inform Their Excellencies in advance.

i Sebastiani:

i Sebastiani is, without a doubt, the greatest Commedia del Arte troupe in the entire world. Come, give yourselves a rest from all the excitement of the Meadow and see their amazing and amusing performance in Alumnae Hall. The performance will begin at 5:00 or when Court concludes, whichever happens later.

The Ball:

There will be a Ball following the Feast. We would like to have at least two hours for dancing, so any help clearing the hall after the feast would be greatly appreciated. Lady Maria Elisabetta Gonzaga will be presiding over the ball, with music provided by the impeccable Waytes of Carolingia. Nearly all dances will be taught; no partner or prior experience necessary.

However, if you wish to improve/explore your dancing abilities before the event, you may want to attend dance practice at MIT on wednesday nights. Email the Autocrat for details or consult the Carolingian Miniscule.
 

White Oak Leaves:

Felding is a large campus, and the Event is at various locations around it. If you have any questions about where a particular location (such as the lavatories) is, or when an particular event is occurring, there will be various members and friends of the Borough of Felding wearing white oak leaves on their shoulders; these people know where the locations around campus are, and will gladly point you in the right direction.

If Falling Leaves is Your First Event:

If you plan on staying at Falling Leaves for more than a few minutes, we request that you make some attempt at medieval clothing. If you plan to eat with us, you should have feast gear (this usually consists of a plate, bowl, knife, spoon, and goblet). Contact Felding's Steward or Provost to arrange to borrow something from us, or email Liadhan ni Laoghaire for information about baronial loaner supplies. If it's the day of the event and you haven't made any arrangements but want to show up anyway, don't worry. There will always be people with extra feast gear to lend, and as long as you wear a dress, long skirt or slacks (no jeans) with a solid colored, loose t-shirt you won't look too out of place.


Don't hesitate to ask questions if you don't understand what's going on. The SCA has a lot of traditions that aren't easily understood at first glance. We're all very friendly and willing to explain ourselves, but we don't know you don't know unless you ask! Some activities (like armored combat) require training and certification before you can participate. Others, like hurling and dancing, are open to everyone regardless of experience. If you're unsure, ask anyone around. If they don't know they'll direct you to someone who does. If you're completely confused, go back to Gate and ask the people there, or talk to the people with the White Oak Leaves on their clothing. We're here to help.

Remember, you are not expected to contribute to the pot-luck feast if this is your first event. You are still invited to partake of the feast. The only contribution we ask of you is your company!

For those new to the barony and unsure how to get involved, the office of the Magistra, held by Lady Godith Anyon, is available to help you get acclimated.
 

Dogs at Falling Leaves

People are encouraged to bring dogs to Falling Leaves to add to the atmosphere of the event. As per Wellesley College policy, dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after, and are not allowed inside buildings. The outdoor portion of the event will end around 5:00, but if you bring a dog and wish to stay for the evening festivities there is a sheltered outdoor area in which animals may be tied. Contact the Autocrat with questions.