St. Margaret’s Annual Joust Tournament Promises Fun for the Whole Family: Royal titles available for purchase, crafters wanted

Annapolis, MD – Mark your calendars for Saturday, Augusty 7, 2010 - the rain date for the annual St. Margaret’s Ring Joust and Country Faire. Beginner and professional class jousting, local crafts, lunch and baked goods, pony rides, children’s activities and more. The Country Faire opens at 10:30 followed by the “Charging of the Knights” ceremony at 11:30 am.  The tournament continues until the last jouster has ridden and the winner is crowned (about 4:00 pm).

Admission is $5.00 per car or $2.00 for walk-ins over the age of 6 years.  
Proceeds help benefit local charities. Joust proceeds go to St. Margaret’s general funds and are used for missions and maintenance, especially the Annapolis Area Ministries, Inc. (AAMI), Camp Allen, and work with Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services.  AAMI operates the Light House homeless shelter, Anchor House transitional housing, and other similar services in the local community.
Location: Pleasant Plains and St. Margaret’s Roads.  ¾ mile south of Rt. 50 (exit 29).  Phone 410-974-0200.
What is jousting? Jousting, the Maryland state sport, requires horse riding “knights and maidens” to spear rings on their lances as they gallop through a series of three arches. The St. Margaret’s Joust is held under the auspices of the Maryland Jousting Tournament Association.  “Hall of Fame” and champion jousters from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia compete in the five tournament classes.
The event has a long history at St. Margaret’s church, starting around the time of the Civil War.  Modern jousts viewed on the lawn under the trees have many of the same elements one would have seen during that era: opening pageant, homemade baked goods sponsored by the Ladies Guild, meals prepared by the church Brotherhood and games for the children.  
The Country Craft Faire features a variety of quality, hand-made items by local crafters. Local crafters are encouraged to sign up for tables by June 1.  Space is limited. Tables are $35 with electric and $30 without electric. Contact: Maria Knapp-Levandoski: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Children’s Copse: The children’s activities under the cool shade of maples and birches, includes pony rides, a dunk tank, Jacob’s ladder, penny arcade, face painting, and more.  
Get your royal title: If you ever dreamed of being a Princess, Prince, Lord or Lady, now’s your chance.  Titles will be on sale through June 1, for $15.  Receive acknowledgement in the 2010 Joust Souvenir Program.

• Anne Sessions or Steve Brennan, 410.974.0200
• Crafter contact:  Maria Knapp-Levandoski: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Rev. Stewart Lucas, St. Margaret’s Church 410-974-0200 – This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Program Manager: Steve Brennan – 410-353-3284 – This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  
• PR Contact: Janice Roper-Graham – 443-871-2308 – This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it