There’s no party like an Æthelmearc party, and this Pennsic we need YOU to keep the fun going into the night!
The Æhelmearc Kingdom Party will be held on Monday, August 8th. As we all know, one of the keys to a good revel is good food, and this occasion is no different! We are in need of volunteers and donors to help ensure that the bellies of our populace do not leave the celebration empty or unsated.
“But Lijsbet, how can I possibly perform such a feat? I am just one person!”
I’m glad you asked! There are actually several ways you can assist in the Food Tent. If we all pitch in just a little bit, we can make certain that everyone enjoys themselves.
1) MAKE FOOD
Those who are inclined to do so are encouraged to make a recipe (or two!) to be served at the party. Additionally, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free versions of recipes are encouraged and requested. The dish you make should be:
* Finger food, or food that can be easily portioned and eaten while walking around is preferred.
* Medieval and “Medieval-ish” recipes, please. We would like to contribute to the medieval atmosphere that this year’s theme (Arthurian Legends) lends itself to as much as we can.
2) BUY FOOD
Sometimes, Time is not our friend, and Ennui is a cruel mistress. To that end, if you are able to contribute an item (or two!) that could be purchased at the grocery store/Barn Mart, which requires nothing but to be delivered to AE Royal in terms of preparation, please consider this a very appreciated option. Some examples of store-bought foods we are looking for are: cheese and crackers; summer sausage; and veggie/fruit trays.
3) SEND FOOD
Not going to be at Pennsic this year, but still want to contribute? Send food with a friend! If you take advantage of this option, please make sure that you either designate someone who will be at War to be in charge of your dish (cooking/reheating if necessary, slicing, chopping, plating, etc.).
4) VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
If you know you won’t be able to provide a dish for the party, but still want to help out, we are in need of volunteers to help make sure the food service runs smoothly. Even if you can only spare a half hour of time, your donation is valuable! Ideally, it would be wonderful to have enough volunteers so that each one only needed to spare 30-45 minutes of their evening helping out, while spending the rest of the time enjoying the party.
We are looking for volunteers to:
* Monitor the food table to make sure that items are being served at their appropriate temperatures, and that empty platters are being rotated in a timely manner
* Serve food under the food tent
* Walk around the party with a tray of food to pass out to attendees
* Help plate the food for presentation
* Act as “stand-by” cooking staff in case Plan C, D, E – or even the Dreaded Plan X – becomes necessary
* Assist with writing ingredient labels for each contribution
* Be on “stand-by” in case we need something from the store
* Wash service dishes and utensils when necessary
5) MAKE A MONETARY DONATION
If cooking isn’t your thing, but you still want to help out by contributing money towards the cost of the food that can definitely be made to happen! You can send your donation by mail to the food coordinator, Edelvrouw Lijsbet de Keukere. Please contact her privately (information below) to request the address.
This year, we ask that all those who volunteer to provide food follow the “You Provide It, You Prepare It” rule to make sure that any one person, or small group of people, doesn’t spend the entire evening in the kitchen. Additionally, if you provide food, also please plan on being in charge of making sure it is ready to be served. If it needs to be cooked or warmed up, you are in charge of making sure that happens. If it needs to be portioned, cut, or sliced, you are in charge of making sure that happens. If you have serving ware for your contribution, please plan on bringing it to use, as the kingdom does not usually bring as much as we need for the food table. If you do not have something to serve your contribution in/with, please contact Lijsbet as soon as possible so enough spare platters, bowls, tongs, etc. are brought to Pennsic.
You are welcome to contact Lijsbet with any questions you may have about making a donation of food, funds, or a bit of your time. She can be reached by:
Facebook Messenger (preferred): Keirin Lazauskas-Ralff
By Email.
Their Majesties, Their Highnesses, and the party staff and volunteers humbly thank you in advance of your generous service to your Kingdom. The cooks, foodies, and service volunteers of Æthelmearc are some of the best in the Knowne World – We hope you will share your flare for flavor with your friends and neighbors! With your help, this year’s Kingdom Party is going to be so much fun!