The local Society for Creative Anachronism often takes a hands on approach to learning and understanding European life before the 17th century. Their activities feature hand-to-hand combat, music and even royalty. -Contributed photo

The local branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism will host the Shire of Tymberhavene’s Field Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. at Ocean Crest Elementary, 1010 Allegany St., Bandon. There is no charge, and anyone curious about the Middle Ages and Renaissance is welcome.  

The SCA was incorporated in 1968 as a 501(c)3, not-for-profit educational organization. It is an ‘hands-on’ approach to history, exploring culture arts and sciences of ages past with emphasis on the Middle Ages and Renaissance, a press release said.

The SCA is a worldwide organization which recreates Western European life before 1600 A.D. The area kingdom, from British Columbia, Canada, to Oregon’s southern border, is called An Tir. The Principality of the Summits, all of Oregon except the Portland metro area, includes the Shire of Tymberhavene, Coos and Curry counties.

Participants can learn the arts of blacksmithing, archery, coin making, clothing from the time, English country dancing, belly dancing, fencing, card weaving, hair braiding, coat of arms, drop spinning, chess, drumming, woodworking, jewelry making, pottery, soap, candles, story telling, songs and how to play instruments of the time.

The shire conducts a weekly “Fighter Practice and Middle Ages Social” from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturdays at Ocean Crest Elementary School.

During meetings, members will discuss the upcoming encampment south of Port Orford, scheduled for July 3 through 6. More than 1,200 people attended the first event last year.

At the encampment, there will be a medieval village complete with merchants, a list field for hand to hand combat, a court with the royalty of two kingdoms, feasts, chess games, music and more than 200 warriors in war scenarios.

For more information, those interested call Lord Cormacc (Robert MacManiman) at 269-5003, e-mail cormacuaneill@yahoo.com or visit http://www.sca.org.