[Steppes] The Great Jack O' Lantern Shoot !!

[William Black Dragon]

IT'S THE GREAT JACK O' LANTERN SHOOT!!
Saturday 3PM October 27, 2007 

The grimacing ugly-faced Jack O' Lanterns 
are not something to be welcome, but are 
instead something we should be prepared 
to defend ourselves against.

The tradition of carving Jack O' Lanterns 
goes back to ancient times when people 
believed evil spirits roamed the earth and 
returned to their homes in winter.  Irish 
legend tells of a rude, abrasive man named 
Jack whom upon his death, was not welcomed 
in heaven or hell.  "Stingy Jack" had played 
tricks on the devil himself.  Not even welcome 
in Purgatory, Jack was destined to haunt the 
earthly world.  He carried a lantern and came 
to represent lost souls trying to escape the 
forthcoming winter.  

At the end of Fall, the Halloween celebration 
represents the time when things die before 
life returns to the Earth to bloom in Spring.  
The Jack O' Lantern is associated with the 
dead whom have returned to haunt the Earth 
through winter carrying lanterns.  Local 
folklore often tells of dark figures holding 
lanterns along highways, railroads and 
waterways.  In the legends, the source of 
the eerie lights can never be found.

Our Steppes archers wish to invite our fellow 
members of the Barony to a gathering in 
celebration of the harvest season and "all 
things pumpkin" in pumpkin themed afternoon 
and evening of contests, games and fun by 
defending our lands from wandering spirits 
with a dusk to dark Jack O' Lantern Shoot.  

You are all invited to Southern Steppes at 
the home of HL Donnel & Lord Alvin at 1361 
Vista Ridge, Midlothian TX 76065, to help 
defend against "Stingy Jack".  I'm sure a 
few well placed arrows shots can snuff out 
Jack's lanterns and help keep him at bay.

This is a non-SCA private party, costuming 
is encouraged (Halloween or medieval) but 
not required.  Also it's a family oriented 
party so please keep that mind.  We plan 
games & contests just for fun before our 
Jack O' Lantern Shoot.  Bring your archery 
gear and we'll start our shoot just before 
dark.  We will be enjoying a variety of 
Pumpkin themed foods as well(Pray keep in 
mind our host Lord Alvin's peanut allergy 
when preparing your dishes or treats!).

RSVP is not strictly necessary but is 
appreciated so we know approximately how 
many to plan for.  Guests are encouraged 
to bring a pumpkin themed food to share.

Please note - our hosts request that you 
do not park in the access driveway to the 
water tower on the west side of the house 
and don't forget to bring your camp chairs 
& mugs.

3PM  Activities Start.
6PM  Pumpkin Themed Potluck Dinner.
7PM  Jack O' Lantern Shoot.
8PM  Pumpkin Themed Desserts.

(I'll be making a large pot of venison 
chili for the potluck myself, Pumpkin 
bread, and a couple of months back I 
challenged our members of the SLAB 
(Steppes Loose Association of Brewers) 
to a Pumpkin Ale brew-off for the party, 
I have two offerings ready!)  

So pray come out and join our Steppes 
archers for the fun this coming Saturday 
in Southern Steppes!  

Regards, 

HL William Black Dragon  called "Ironwyrm"


Directions - Make your way to HWY 67 south, 
           - turn left(that's east) on 287, 
           - turn right(south) at 9th/663 
             (between the RR tracks & CVS} 
           - follow 663 until it "T's" at 875
           - turn right(west) onto 875 
           - turn right(north) at Vista View 
             the second right, 
           - follow Vista View to Vista Ridge 
           - it's the two-story house you're 
             facing (1361 Vista Ridge). 
           - If lost call 972-723-5126