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We had an absolute blast at the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest this year. Featured were many different attractions, car shows, craft areas and oh yeah, hot air balloons. Featured here is one of several sky divers that dropped in from time to time. |
| One of the featured areas that caught the Head Hard Hat's fancy was the Medieval Village. Here I had the pleasure of meeting up with the guys and gals from the SCA or better known as The Society for Creative Anachronism These fine folks are not your average paid actors in tin suits, but can be better described as being individuals dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe. Their armor and clothes are as real as possible and when they spar off to fight - they mean it and do not hold back. ((L to R) Schwartz Wilhelm, Andy Smith and the Mighty Vlad Draconis aka David Pippin) |
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One of the first things that I noticed is how overwhelmingly friendly they all are. For example Mighty Vlad Draconis a.k.a. David Pippin who is actually quite intimidating being about a head taller than me, dressed in black armor and carries a huge war hammer was an incredible fountain of information about everything SCA related. (House Ironwolf at Ballonfest...Getting Medieval) |
| Not only was it interesting talking to everyone about how the SCA has spread internationally. It was fascinating to learn about the individual Kingdoms or groupings of seperate factions within the organization and how the royal politics from one kingdom interacts with others. The real fun is when multiple kingdoms get together for a convention and they battle each other on a full scale. That has got to be something to see. (House Ironwolf....hey look up it's a purdy rainbow balloon!) |
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When you walk around the village you can see many of the wears and talents that have been researched and then recreated. Everything from clothes, smithing and the making of beer are just a few of the specialties they pursue. (The trumpet sounds....marriage procession assemble...prepares to march.) |
| The weight of the individual weapons is amazing. David allowed me to hold his massive war hammer and he explained several of the different techniques for how to use it in battle. One really would have to be in great physical shape to continually use such a weapon during sparring. I held it up for a mear minute or two and it tired me out - phew. (On the march....) |
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| Please take a moment to watch different Medieval re-enacators fighting....for real...not choreographed. The SCA use protected covered weapons that weigh the same and have the same punch as the real thing. I watched as they size each other up and then attack when the time is right. Then when finished they discuss the tactics of the battle and why they did what they did. Most impressive to see in person. I want to thank all the members of the SCA who we talked with during the day and also a special note to Burgolf of Ironwolf a.k.a. Kevin Kaier for sending in some of the captions on this webpage. If you would like to learn more about the SCA please go to their website at www.sca.org. |
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| Let's face it, when one goes to a festival, fair or other such event the last thing on our mind is eating healthy. The food is always deep fried, sugar coated and most likely dipped in chocolate. Think about it, how many Fresh Salad stands did you see the last time you went to the carnival? So in the spirit that we aren't going to live forever I just had to try something that I have heard of but never tasted. Yep, Deep Fried Twinkies! I could just feel my arteries hardening just by holding one in my hand. They basically take a stick and place it in said cream filled snack food. Then deep fry it and cover it with powdered sugar and drizzled with chocolate sauce - Mmmmmm Nummy. (So where is the portable defibrillator?) |
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And what would a Hard Hat Brotherhood event be without Hot Rod automobiles? This little beauty was one of my favorites. |
| Nomad Foreman Scott Smith standing by a tricked out hot rod demonstrates his hidden talent of measuring wind direction while looking cool doing it. |  |
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This sweet GTO has a great reminder for a front license plate. Obviously the owner is a Marine but I took it to remember our fighting men and woman everywhere! |
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