The Barony of Dragonship Haven

A Branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism

29th Balfar’s Challenge

April 12th, 2025

Event Details

Spring is just around the corner and our thoughts turn to outdoor pursuits.  The call is going forth across the land as the Polar Bear roars his challenge once more.  A contest of arms and skills; a day of celebration and friendship is at hand.

Duke Balfar von Grunwald once again issues challenges for you to bring your prowess to the field and display your skills before the crowds.  Duke Balfar and The Barony of Dragonship Haven invite you to come spend the day with us as we TOURNEY, FENCE, THROW, SHOOT, SHOP, EAT, and, last but not least, ENJOY EACH OTHER’S COMPANY.  

Contestants will form teams of three.  Three Fighters, three Fencers, three Archers or three Throwers.  There is a limit of no more than one martial peer or order of high merit per team.  Teams must have names and we look forward to your boundless wit and dad jokes.  (Balfar will be reading names in court – be wary).  

Questions in regards to Marshal Activities will go to:
A&S Challenge

Once again, Baron Agapios Cargos is issuing a heraldic challenge.  
Make something with your heraldry on it, displayed with a photo of your device/badge.  Winners will be selected in the three categories: use of arms, complexity of item, and overall favorite.
Contact Baron Agapios at 214818@members.eastkingdom.org with any questions

Schedule for the day
  • 9:00 Gate Opens
  • 10:00 Tourneys Begin
  • 12:00 Day Board Opens
  • 3:00 Gate closes/Merchant Breakdown.
  • 4:00 Day Board Closes/Court Begins
  • 6:00 Event Ends
  • 7:00 Site Closes

Any assistance in clean-up before close of site will be cheerfully accepted.

Travel home safe – Thank you for coming.

 This is an outdoor event, there is 1 covered pavilion with walls for day board with picnic tables.  There are 2 Pole Barns (open sided pavilions).  Some tables will be spaced outside for use.  DO NOT remove tables from the hall or relocate tables without permission from the Event Steward.  Any moved tables must be replaced by the end of the event.  

Event attendees are HIGHLY encouraged to bring their own pavilions/day shades and chairs. 

Site is DISCREETLY DAMP.  

Dogs are welcome BUT must be leashed/contained/attended at all times and well behaved. You must clean up after your pet. 

Site Opens: GATE OPENS AT 9 (***8 for STAFF ONLY)
Site Closes: 7pm

Event Location

Guildford Fairgounds
111 Lovers Lane
Guilford, CT  06437
Google Map

The event site is accessible per the East Kingdom Accessibility Porter’s Checklist.

Site Map

Click here for Site Map

Directions:

From New Haven Area

take I-95 to EXIT 57.  Take right onto Route 1.  Follow Route 1 to the intersection of Church Street (Rte.  77) and Route 1.  Take a right onto Church Street (Rte.  77).  At Stop Sign take a right onto Broad Street then an immediate left onto Whitfield Street.  Continue about 1 mile and take a left at fork onto Old Whitfield Street, then another left onto Stone House Lane to Fairgrounds entrance.

EXIT 58 Turn right onto Church Street (Rte.  77).  Continue across Route 1.  At the Stop Sign take a right onto Broad Street then an immediate left onto Whitfield Street.  Continue about 1 mile and take a left at fork onto Old Whitfield Street, then another left onto Stone House Lane to Fairgrounds entrance.

From New London Area

take EXIT 59 (Goose Lane).  Take a right onto Goose Lane, cross over Route 1.  At Stop Sign take a right onto Boston Street.  Continue about a mile and take a left onto South Union Street.  Continue to end and turn right onto Stone House Lane to the Fairgrounds entrance.

Registration Fees

Registration:
Non member (18 and up) $35
Member (18 and up) $25
AGE 10-17 $20
AGE 0-9 FREE

Family cap $80

PayPal link
https://surveys.eastkingdom.org/index.php/315366?lang=en

A PayPal invoice will be generated within 24-48 hours of the online preregistration information being submitted.  Online preregistration is not complete until the PayPal invoice has been paid.

Checks can be sent to:
Ann Straut
12 Liberty Street
Apt.  B
Southington, CT 06489

Please include
mundane name,
SCA name and age range for each person registering
an email address for confirmation.

Make Checks Payable to: The Barony of Dragonship Haven

Feast:
No feast.  Running day board opens APPROX at Noon and will run until APPROX 4 pm.  Any dietary concerns may be directed to Master Jaji at chefjaji@yahoo.com.  Help is always welcome. 

Contact Information

Event Steward:

Event Steward:  Pan Casimir Sarkastyczny (Michael Bourdeau)
203-915-0764
Email:  70767@members.eastkingdom.org

Merchants are actively encouraged!!  Please come sell your wares!
Merchants should contact Master Llewellyn Walsh at 207753@members.eastkingdom.org

The Barony of Dragonship Haven