| "Catch the Rings" at the St. Margaret's Joust |
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“Oyez, Oyez, Oyez! St. Margaret’s Joust and Country Craft Faire is Nigh Upon Us, so ‘Catch the Rings’ This Year” By: Steve Brennan, Joust Committee Scrivener St. Margaret’s Joust and Country Craft Faire is always the Saturday following the 4th of July. Mark your calendars and come and share the fun and excitement. This event offers something for everyone, so bring your families and invite your friends as well. The Country Craft Faire opens at 10:30 A.M., followed at 11:00 A.M. by the colorful tradition of the parade of costumed knights and maids and the “Charging of the Knights” ceremony which starts the Joust. This year Chuck Fox, Special Assistant for the Chesapeake Bay to EPA Secretary Lisa Jackson has been invited to give the “Orders” to the riders. The jousting tournament will continue until about 4:00 P.M., when the winners are honored. St. Margaret’s Joust is a “Ring Joust.” Riders, who maintain tradition by using sobriquets such as “Knight of Excalibur” or “Maid of Rabbit Hill Road,” charge at a gallop down the 80 yard joust track and try to spear three small rings which hang 6'9" off the ground on their lances. Jousting became the official sport of Maryland, Md. Code. Ann., State Gov. Art., §13-308, in 1962, when Maryland became the first state to adopt an official sport. This sport requires great skill and coordination, as well as teamwork between the riders and their horses. The performances you will see at Joust 2010 are the result of years of practice and training for both the riders and the horses. Last year, at least three members of the National Jousting Hall of Fame competed at St. Margaret’s Joust, and they will be back this year. Even more remarkable is the fact that all three of these Hall of Famers are from one of the great families in American jousting - - the Enfield family of Frederick County. Jousting is also one of the only sports in which competitors of all ages and both genders compete against each other. Those who attend the joust this year will likely see 76-year-old Leon Enfield give his sons and the other competitors a run for their money in the Professional Class, while Janice Enfield tries to “catch the rings” ahead of the men, including her husband Ken. Jousting is a signature event for St. Margaret’s Church, and its history and tradition here date back to the mid-19th century; but so much more goes on at the St. Margaret’s Joust and Craft Faire. The Faire features local crafters, and it provides a great opportunity both for browsing and for the purchase of a variety of high quality goods. The items on display and for sale at the Craft Faire will include stained glass, jewelry, candles, soaps, silk flower arrangements, hand painted ornaments, baskets, and other hand crafted items. Many groups and individuals within St. Margaret’s Church share in the effort of planning and hosting the Joust and Country Craft Faire. For those whose families include younger members, St. Margaret’s Joust and Country Craft Faire provides a youth Playland sponsored by the Rite 13 and Journey to Adulthood youth programs. The activities for children include a moon bounce, dunk tank, face painting, pony rides, and many more. There will also be plenty of food available. The Brotherhood of St. Andrew prepares meals, including grilled chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs. The Ladies Guild sells homemade baked goods. There is an admission fee of $5.00 per car and $2.00 for walk-ins over 6 years of age. The proceeds from this event benefit the local community, and participation strengthens the fellowship of members of the Parish. Please make it a part of your summer plans to attend St. Margaret’s Joust and Country Craft Faire on July 10th, bring your families, and tell your friends. |
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