The day was bewitching! The morning started out warm and sunny. As I drove the hour from my home I enjoyed the awesome rust colors of the leaves that only days earlier were shiny and red. I thought to myself that it was a perfect day for this Hallowtide event.

As I arrived at the site it was already a bustle of activity. People scurried here and there to make certain that everything was in it's place. I checked in to a wonderful greeting at the Troll table. I ate my candy then headed in to dress and wander the site.

The warmth of the site added to the day. Soon more people began to flow in and classes began. I had a pleasant chat in Intro to illumination class. Some excellent information was passed along that made me desire to not tear up anything that I made (which is a good thing!).

After the class was over, I joined others as we watched some fighting in the back yard. They all appeared to be having a great time! Fighters and fencers were strewn about letting the youth pick their weapon of choice. Some very interesting and I'm sure exhausting fighting took place.

Soon enough we realized that mask making was happening in one of the class rooms and we went to delight in creating a master piece. The chatter and fun was fabulous as we all had a different view on what our mask would look like.

The pleasantness grew as we found ourselves wanting to spend what may very well be the last warm days of fall, outside in merriment. To our rejoicing a class on juggling was about to commence. We learned to juggle a ball. Then we advanced to two. We all enjoyed the company and playfulness of the experience. Several of us are hoping to pick up this as a hobby.

The feast was imminent. People wandered about socializing and flittering about all with gleeful smiles. Soon the feast emerged and our tables filled with friendly and familiar faces. Great food and conversation ensued as all were overwhelmed by the hospitality of the Blackwater chefs.

The evening grew closer to an end with announcement of winners of scrolls that were endearingly witty. The dessert table was engulfed with partakers and some dancing and more socializing evolved as the the end grew nearer.

Soon, I found myself looking at a long drive home as I said my farewells and headed out to the chariot joyful and satisfied in the events of the day. Spending time with friends is always a glorious time.

Many thanks to those who prepared every aspect of the Incipient Shire of Blackwater's First Hallowtide event. It was indeed a great day for all who attended.

And by Duchess Dorinda

OK, I can't write a report like I usually do (or I will get fired) [Webmaster's Note: Naw, just a cut in pay! :)] but my favorite things from Hallowtide:

• Raadjgier's pumpkin
• The many faces of "death" - some young and innocent, some less so.
• Youth fighting
• Watching the kids pick from Nugg's pile o weapons - and watching the adults try to fight with them.
• Seeing so many people helping, sharing things they made, and laughing
• Going home without the plague
• Mead
• Watching death try to juggle
• Spider jewelry (what *is* that in your cleavage??) [A sticker. I had to double-check to be sure. "What? Staring? No, I was just checking out the jewelry, honest!"]

Some things I am not sure I enjoyed as much (with tongue in cheek):

• Having the jugglers decide to see if tossed fruit would stick on the strawberry leaves >:-(
• the cookies with fingernails. Tasty, but a bit . . . well . . . ewwww.

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