Category Archives: Pennsic

Pennsic Postponed Until 2022

16 Friday Apr 2021

Posted by in Announcements, Event Announcements & Updates, Pennsic

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

,

From the Pennsic Mayor –

G’Day Everyone,

When taking office in the position of Mayor for Pennsic 49 I made a promise to everyone. That promise was that above all else, I would endeavor to run a fiscally responsible and safe Pennsic 49. It was my dear friend and mentor Viscount Sir Edward that said to me “The people that attend this event are Pennsic, take care of them.” I promised him I would. Then COVID 19 hit and the entire world was plunged into a crisis, the like of which we have not witnessed in our lifetimes.

Over the past few months, I have been in constant discussions with The Pennsic Seneschals Group (PSG), The President of the SCA Inc, Coopers Lake Management and my Pennsic Senior Executive Group. In addition, I have seen the comments from many of you and listened to the comments from my Deputy Mayors and their staff.

I have kept you all updated as much as possible so that you all understand my decision-making process and so that you understand the path I am walking when I make decisions. Although change is happening and things are getting better, I must deal with the now, rather than what I think it may be like in 3 months’ time and unfortunately our vendors needs for commitment and certainty are requiring us to make commitments earlier than we originally intended.

As Mayor of Pennsic 49, I was entrusted with, the welfare and safety of the entire Pennsic Family. It is therefore with great sadness that I must inform you today that, I have decided to Postpone Pennsic 49 for another 12 months to 2022. The new dates for Pennsic 49 will be 29 July 2022 – 14 August 2022. This has been an exceedingly difficult decision to make but I trust you understand the reasoning behind it.

This postponement will be heartbreaking news to many of you and especially to the community surrounding Coopers Lake.

It has been arranged with Cooper’s Lake Management, that those who have preregistered for Pennsic 49 may have their registrations rolled over to 2022. If you desire a refund, please go to http://www.cooperslake.com and log into your pre-registration account.

Even if Pennsic 49 cannot run this July 2021, I remain optimistic that the situation will improve over the next months. I know that some of you have lost loved ones to this pandemic and my Pennsic Team and I send you our condolences and best wishes.

I am looking forward to the time when I can share some time with you all at Cooper’s Lake and Pennsic War.

Yours in Service,

Sir Gregory of Loch Swan

Mayor

Pennsic 49

An Announcement from the Mayor of Pennsic 49

29 Monday Mar 2021

Posted by in Kingdom News, Officer Announcements, Pennsic

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

G’day Everyone,

This is just a quick update to keep you informed of our progress tp Pennsic 49.

Over the last month the Pennsic 49 senior executive has met with the Crowns and Seneschals of the East, Midrealm, and Æthelmearc. We have discussed specific issue regarding the planning and running of Pennsic 49 and are discussing options and figuring out ways to run it safely, albeit maybe a little differently. Those plans are still under consideration, discussion, and planning, but we are still moving forward to our well-published final decision date of May 30.

I am aware that the Known World Seneschals have met with the SCA Inc. Executive Board over a range of issues prior to the full SCA Inc. Board meeting, I think some time in April. I am not aware, nor do I need to know the specifics of that meeting, however we were asked and did supply representation at the meeting to field any Pennsic War-specific questions.

We are continuing to plan for Pennsic 49 in 2021 until either 30 May 2021 or our hand is forced to make a decision sooner.

The good news is the the COVID-19 overlay is getting better in the USA, UK, and parts of Europe week by week. I pray it keeps going that way with the vaccines roll out.

I know this is not the news many need right now, but I’m letting you all know so that you can plan accordingly and be as aware as we are. Sorry I can’t say more.

In service to you all….

Gregory

Photo by Master Augusto Giuseppe da San Donato.

A Message from the Mayor of Pennsic 49

09 Tuesday Feb 2021

Posted by in Announcements, Event Announcements & Updates, Pennsic

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, ,

Pennsic 49 – 2021 Update:

G’Day Everyone,

As promised, I am sending this message out to keep you all informed as to how we are progressing to Pennsic 49. The reason for the update is so that you are able to walk the decision making path with me in a clear and transparent manner and know the rationale behind any decisions we, the Pennsic Management Team are making.

First of all I want you to all know that we are still planning for Pennsic 49 in 2021. I want to make it very clear that we are “planning,” not holding Pennsic 49 next week, as we are still months away from either the Pennsic 49 decision date at the end of May or the Pennsic War event itself.

Let me explain for those that have never seen behind the running of a major event like Pennsic… it does take a lot of planning and organisation. We can’t just start organising it at the end of June and get it all in place. The Pennsic War Management Staff and myself as Mayor of Pennsic start the process two years out from the Pennsic War we are running. I won’t go through all the boring administrative details, but it is a long and well managed process.

However, you need to be assured that I will adopt the same fact-based and health-informed approach to the planning for Pennsic 49 this year, as I did last year. I fully understand the concerns you all have about any large event at this time, but I still need to continue the planning required well ahead of the event itself.

The same timeline will be adopted again for this year as it was for last year and we have a decision date which at this stage is at the end of May 2021, give or take a week. We still have just under 6 months till Pennsic 49, and I am prepared to support the PSG and deliver the hard call if need be, the same as I did last year. Note the SCA Inc have currently suspended all SCA events until May 30, 2021. Those types of decisions are out of my control.

I also want you to understand that we are much further ahead this year regarding our knowledge of COVID-19 than we were at the same time last year. And yes, we are fully aware that mutant strains are evolving and that vaccines are being rolled out. However, these things need to be observed and evaluated over the next few months and consideration given as to what effect they are having on the COVID 19 health overlay, nation and worldwide. This in itself will form a large part of our decision-making package and like last year will always be based on current, up to date, CDC plus local State and County Health information.

I will not endanger people or risk Pennsic 49 becoming a “Super-spreader Event” just for the sake of having an SCA event. I am fully aware that people have concerns. At this stage I again reiterate that we are “planning” for Pennsic 49, not running Pennsic 49 right now. You all trusted me last year and those of you that know me, should know that I have no “ego” about being Mayor of Pennsic 49. I view myself as the custodian of the Pennsic War event, which encompasses the safety of attendees, organizers, staff and public community that surrounds the Pennsic War. I will not risk any these for the sake of swinging a stick, camping with friends and having a few pints around a campfire.

I hope this update helps you all understand the process we are going through. I will keep you updated with future posts when new information is available.

Everyone please keep safe.

Gregory
Mayor Pennsic



Photo Credit: Lord Darter the Chronicler

From the Pennsic Land Office

25 Monday Jan 2021

Posted by in Announcements, Camping, Pennsic

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, ,

Pennsic Land staff sent this message land agents:

First, there are new Land Announcements at https://land.pennsicwar.org/docs_announce.php.

Second, there is a very important announcement regarding Seniority from Land One.

It has come to our attention that some land agents and/or groups are concerned about the potential loss of a year of seniority for their group if they do not attend Pennsic War 49. We would not want a person or group to feel obligated to attend PW49 if due to COVID-19 health or travel restrictions, they are not able to attend. This is especially true as we cannot predict what restrictions may be in place when PW49 is in progress.

As such, we will not be awarding a year of seniority for any of the groups who ultimately attend PW49. This assures that no group will receive any type of seniority advantage for having had the opportunity and desire to attend Pennsic where the COVID 19 restrictions would not prevent them from doing so.

As always, the site is available to you at https://land.pennsicwar.org.

Yours,
Rhys ap Ishmael
Land Staff
landweb@pennsicwar.org

Photo by Lord Darter.

A Message from the Pennsic 49 Mayor

02 Wednesday Dec 2020

Posted by in Pennsic

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Message and Update from the Mayor Pennsic 49
03 Dec 2020

G’Day Everyone,

The year 2020 has been one that we will remember for the rest of our lives for many reasons. Some, because of loved ones we have lost, some because for the first time we have seen the world in turmoil and some because we have been unable to relax and do the things we would normally do. Whatever the reason is, we will get through this together.

It is not my job to interpret the reasons for everything that has happened in 2020, apart from my personal view that I can’t wait for 2020 to just sod off!!

But I digress, this short note is to keep you up to date with where we are for Pennsic 49 in 2021. In November, the Pennsic Staff group, the Coopers Management Group, and I had a joint physical and zoom meeting to discuss the way forward for Pennsic 49. The single message you need to transmit and the message you need to take from the meeting is that we are continuing to plan on having Pennsic 49 in July/Aug 2021 at Coopers Lake Campground.

The Pennsic Staff and Coopers Management are working jointly on plans to make Pennsic 49 as safe as it can possibly be for attendees. This will mean some changes to the way we do things, but we are committed to making those changes as seamless and simple as possible so that Pennsic 49 can happen and we can all have a great relaxing holiday and Pennsic War.

I want to thank you all for your support and most of all for your curtailing of the rumour mill, which I have to say has been nothing short of amazing. I will continue to be transparent in our planning and keep you informed so that any decisions we make will be understood and not a surprise to people.

As more things line up, I will update you all so that you can be keep informed and plan your Pennsic 49 journey to once again celebrate together in friendship and combat.

Thanks again and please have a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

Gregory of Lochswan
Mayor
Pennsic War 49

Photo Credit: Lord Darter the Chronicler

A Message and A Tribute from Cooper’s Lake

20 Monday Jul 2020

Posted by in Camping, Pennsic

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

,

Regent style tent at Cooper’s Lake. Photo by Lord Darter.

Cooper’s Lake staff today released a poignant message on YouTube about about missing us all and the Pennsic War this year.

It also includes a tribute to longtime Pennsic staff member Viscount Sir Edward Zifran of Gendy (Fast Eddy), who died last week after a stroke.

The video can be seen here.

Æthelmearc Royals Lead in Food Drive

25 Monday May 2020

Posted by in Kingdom News, Pennsic, Royalty

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, ,

Although the people of Æthelmearc and the Known World may be despondent at the postponement of our beloved War until next summer, the people of Pennsic have rallied like the army they are to the call of those in need!

At a time when medical bills and unemployment drive appeals to food banks to new heights and regular donors are unable to help, the #100kfromtheSCA initiative was created to combat the food shortage crisis in the Butler/Portersville area surrounding the Pennsic site with donations from Scadians across the world.

Now the people of Æthelmearc have one more reasons to look to our rulers with love and pride.  At the command of Their Royal Majesties Maynard and Liadain, Kingdom Exchequer THNoble Rhys Penbras ap Dafydd donated Æthelmearc’s ENTIRE Pennsic Party fund for 2020 — totaling some $775 dollars — to the Portersville Food Pantry.

This disbursement from the hands of our gracious Monarchs brings the total to nearly $14,000, according to Cindy Burns, astonished food bank administrator.

One can only wonder if the rulers of the other signatory nations of the Pennsic Treaty will follow suit, or will the Virtue of our beloved monarchs stand unchallenged?  VIVAT REX, VIVAT REGINA, VIVAT AETHELMEARC!

All those who wish to donate to them directly may due so by Paypal or Venmo via this link or by check to: Portersville Food Pantry, PO Box 102, Portersville, PA 16051.

Both the United Way and Portersville Food Pantry are 501(c)(3) charities, and all gifts are fully tax-deductible.

Notice for SCA Members Storing Items at Cooper’s Lake

04 Monday May 2020

Posted by in Announcements, Pennsic

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

,

From Cooper’s Lake Campground via Facebook:

SCA Friends: We know that most of you make your storage payments during Pennsic. We wanted to make sure you were aware of our online payment system. Below you will find details on how to check your status and make a payment from the comfort of your home.

Please visit https://cooperslake.com/storage for more information.

Cooper Storage

The 100K from the SCA Initiative

01 Friday May 2020

Posted by in Pennsic

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

,

Every August, businesses in Butler County, Pennsylvania, where Pennsic is held, make much of their annual income from Scadians. With Pennsic canceled, that won’t happen this year. In addition, for many years the Portersville Food Pantry has been the beneficiary of literally tons of food collected by Paladin’s Pantry at the end of every Pennsic. That also won’t happen this year.

To assist Butler County in weathering this loss along with the hardships imposed by Covid-19, an inter-Kingdom group of SCA members, including our own Master Morien McBain, have come together to create the #100KfromtheSCA initiative. Check out the website to learn more.

https://100kfromthesca.org/

AE Royal

Photo by Mistress Aoife.