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

[donnelshaw at aol.com]

Please be aware that the police have been out lately in the area. It 
seems they are looking to build up the Midlothian treasure chest.



-----Original Message-----
From: William Black Dragon <hlironwyrm at sbcglobal.net>
To: steppes at ansteorra.org
Sent: Sat, 18 Oct 2008 10:34 am
Subject: [Steppes] The Great Jack O' Lantern Shoot !!



IT'S THE GREAT JACK O' LANTERN SHOOT!!
Saturday 3PM November 1, 2008

As our days grow short and the shadows longer,
there's the hint of chill in the blowing wind,
dogs howl at the rising moon, grim looking
gourds with dimly lit features quietly watch
& wait from the darkness.  Soon, very soon
they shall answer Stingy Jack's call!

The grimacing ugly-faced Jack O' Lanterns of the
season 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. An 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 end of harvest, 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 a 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 for
yet another year.

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!).

Due to overwhelming requests we plan to
add last year's impromptu combat missile
pinata shoot to this year's list of
activities.  As well as a mini-crossbow
contest to help get you practiced up and
ready for our annual table top siege &
feast weapon tournament to be held at
12th Night.

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 with Pumpkin Carving.
4PM  Mini-Crossbow Contest.
5PM  Combat Missile Pinata Shoot.
6PM  Pumpkin Themed Potluck Dinner.
7PM  Jack O' Lantern Shoot.
8PM  Pumpkin Themed Desserts.

(times are just estimated, activities might
run longer than allotted time to complete)

I plan to make a large pot of chili for
the potluck myself, pumpkin fried pies,
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 one
offering ready myself!

So pray come out and join our Steppes
archers for the fun on Saturday Nov. 1
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














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