Yule on the Bridge
(2017-12-09 - Site opens at 9 AM & Closes at 5 PM)
Ponte Alto

Hearken all to the signs that another year is drawing to a close. The winds blow colder. Wee beasties and goblins roam the streets. Pumpkins abound: in doorways, on windowsills, in muffins, and even in cups of coffee! The trees change into their autumnal best. Soon it will be time for their long winter’s nap, though, and it will be time for Yule!

Yuletide is a magical time of year. Friends gather closely by the fire with warm cups and warmer hearts. Merriment and festivity are the order of the day, and goodwill toward all is shared and celebrated.

The Barony of Ponte Alto invites you and yours to come and join us for a cozy, jovial event we are calling Yule on the Bridge. Come dressed in your holiday finery for a day of games, music, dancing, and merrymaking. The familiar site (Sykes Hall at the Loudoun County Fairgrounds) will be transformed into a festive, cheery wonderland that will capture the spirit of the season. Feel free to bring your own Yule-themed decorations and set up your table or seating area to really get into the mood.

Website: http://pontealto.atlantia.sca.org/events/Yule.php

Martial Activities: None, for this season is a time for togetherness, goodwill to all, and setting aside of grievances.

Arts & Sciences Activities: There will be dancing, led by Lord Randall, including some basic instruction for those who are feeling a bit rusty, or those who would like to explore the terpsichorean arts for the first time. Dance instruction will culminate in a Yule Ball, not to be missed! Baron Alric the Mad is also challenging his Cousins to a Baron’s Dance-Off competition, for the enjoyment of all!

Music will also rule the day, with a bardic competition and time for bards of all types to share their art with revelers. Those who enjoy other A&S pursuits will not be disappointed, with a Yule-themed open competition and display. And of course there will be a brewing competition, so bring your finest seasonal brews! If there is enough interest, there will also be a brewing roundtable. Documentation for competition entries is encouraged but not required.

Gaming tables will be set up downstairs, and there will be a variety of games to play (feel free to bring your own as well). A chess tournament will be included. Not in the mood to sit and play? Not to worry! There will also be some more active games, such as Jomswikinger (the one with the trunk and blindfolds and whacking-with-soft-objects) and Hunker Hauser (the one with rickety platforms and a rope and balancing).

Cost: Adult, Event Registration: $20.00 Day-Trip $0.00 Feast $0.00 Camping
Adult, Member Discount: $15.00 Day-Trip $0.00 Feast $0.00 Camping
Youth (5-17): $5.00 Day-Trip $0.00 Feast $0.00 Camping
Child (0-4): $0.00 Day-Trip $0.00 Feast $0.00 Camping

Make Checks Payable To: SCA, Inc., Barony of Ponte Alto

Site: Sykes Hall, Loudoun County Fairgrounds, 17558 Dry Mill Rd. Leesburg, VA 20175. Site opens at 9 am and closes at 5 pm.

Site Restrictions: No open flames. Dogs are not permitted in Sykes Hall. Service animals are, of course, welcome. The site is wet.

Feast Information: What is a Yule celebration without feasting?! A hearty, decadent dayboard feast is included in your site fee. Bring your fanciest table settings and finery to enjoy Baroness Adina’s sumptuous vittles. She can be contacted at adinavdh[AT]gmail.com with dietary concerns or questions. The menu will be posted shortly.

Other Information: Children\'s Activities: What are the Youth of Atlantia to do while their parents make merry? Why, come to Children’s Activities, of course, where they will be putting together a short play to perform for the populace! There will be parts for all, short and tall, born actors and reluctant thespians, young and young- at-heart. Come one, come all, and Lady Annika and her helpers will find a part for you!

Event Steward\'s Information: Hannus Siltanen (Ken Harman), 11130 Saffold Way, Reston, VA 20190, Phone: (703) 608-9557, E-mail: harmanken[AT]gmail.com

Directions:

From Points North, South, and East

Take your best route to the Dulles Toll Road/Greenway (Rt. 267) off of the Washington Beltway (I-495). Go through the toll booth(s) past Dulles Airport. Merge onto VA-7 W via EXIT 1A on the LEFT toward LEESBURG/WARRENTON. Take Route 9 West exit (stay in left lane of exit). At STOP sign at end of exit, turn left and proceed over bridge that crosses Route 7 (stay in the left lane). Proceed to STOP sign and turn left onto Dry Mill Rd. Travel approximately 1 mile to Fairgrounds entrance on left.

From Points West of Leesburg

Take Route 7 East (Harry Byrd Hwy) towards Leesburg, VA. Take Route 9 Exit. At STOP sign at end of exit, turn right and immediately get into the left lane. Proceed to STOP sign and turn left onto Dry Mill Rd. Travel approximately 1 mile to Fairgrounds entrance on left.