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The Queens County Farm Museum is a working 18th century style farm in Floral Park on the border of Nassau County. Every year they have a county fair, in which we (the SCA) are invited to do a demo. This year it is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22, 11AM to 6PM. Here is the announcement on their website (http://www.queensfarm.org/):
A traditional County Fair with Blue Ribbon competitions in livestock, produce, home crafts, arts and crafts and more. Early American craft demonstrations, pie-eating and corn-husking contests and free games for children, pig racing, make your own scarecrow, hayrides, the petting zoo, carnival rides and midway. Civil War Encampment, magic show, country western music and dance, Irish and German bands, a visit to our Bavarian Garden, craft vendors, food vendors and FUN for the entire family.
Since the farm is an educational enterprise, the theme of the demo should be mostly educating the audience. Our demo (organized by Baroness Katherine and Baron Ian) will include fighting, archery, fencing, and display of arts, crafts, and culture. All gentles are encouraged to bring their armor, bows, and displays. Gentles are encouraged to talk to the people about medieval history and culture. There is comfortable camping space available on the ground (Huntington style) for those who wish to stay overnight.
This is a very fun event. It is a county fair, not a ren faire, so instead of having a bunch of people running around in bad attempts at costume acting out characters from the most recent fantasy/medieval movie or tv show, you have local people honestly enjoying the merchants, crafts, competitons, exhibits, food, music, etc. The blue ribbon displays are quite interesting. It feels somewhat like the fair that would grow up around a medieval tournament. A civil war regiment usually camps there, and it's fun to hang out with them and other folks who stay overnight. We sing songs, tell stories, and have memorable adventures. There are diners within walking distance for dinner and breakfast.
You can come to one day or both and, as mentioned, folks are welcome to pitch tents after closing on Saturday, camp out overnight, and strike them before opening on Sunday.
All SCAdians are reminded that they represent the SCA and are encouraged to act in an approriate manner while dealing with the fair-goers. Those who plan to stay overnight in non-medieval-looking tents are asked to remove their tents no later than ??:?? AM.
For more information, contact Mistress Katherine.
Queens County Farm Museum
73-50 Little Neck Parkway
Floral Park, NY 11004
Grand Central Parkway to the Little Neck Parkway exit, then south about a
1/3 mile on Little Neck Parkway. The Farm Museum is on your right.
The Museum is located 3 blocks south of the Grand Central Parkway, off
exit 24 and can also be reached by taking the E or F subway to the Union
Tpk. station to the Q46 bus to the Little Neck Parkway stop and walking
north 3 blocks. For a calendar of events and general information call:
(718) 347-FARM.