[MR] Kingdom Level Events, etc

[Merritt, Cheryl]

I'm from the Barony of Highland Foorde, and I just wanted to share with
folks the effort and anticipation that went into our recent failed
attempt at a bid for a Kingdom Level event.

 

Our barony covers a large geographical area in the far northern reaches
of the Kingdom, so it is very difficult for us to muster enough folks
for events. Highland River Melees, as it grew over the years, was only
possible with lots of help from our brothers and sisters in our
neighboring baronies who always helped us out. (I think every Barony in
the area, as well as two baronies in another Kingdom, have aided us
every year).

 

So when we started talking 3 years ago about putting on a Kingdom level
event, we realized that we did not have the funds in our account, nor
the personnel. We talked about it as a goal, but realized that we
weren't in a position to be able to offer our hospitality at the Kingdom
level.

 

Good fortune, luck, and a little planning resulted in a growing
population. Our chatelaines (Lady Margaret, Lady Gerita and Duena Livia)
planned a large number of demos, and the result was that we attracted
some wonderful, enthusiastic newcomers. In addition, we had a number of
very experienced and also very energetic SCAdians move into our barony.
They came from other Kingdoms as well as Atlantia.

 

We allowed our bank account to grow so that we could make a bid.

 

About a year ago, we formed a committee to search out all potential
sites in the area. Folks traveled on week-ends to look at sites, and
developed a database that listed features and estimated costs. We had
meetings to discuss the requirements of every Kingdom Level event, then
compared those to the sites we found. We researched costs for various
Kingdom level events with former autocrats.  We discussed at several
meetings the budget and costs. All of this analysis led us to the
conclusion that we could successful put on a Twelfth Night celebration.
We were excited that we could host this festive event, and invite the
Kingdom to enjoy our Hospitality.

 

As the Autocrat and Co-Autocrat put the bid together, we had e-mail
discussions. We talked at business meetings about the deadlines, and how
the bid was developing.  We checked out photos from SCAdians world-wide
to look at their decorations from other 12th Night events. When the bid
was submitted, an announcement went out to the populace, and we
celebrated. It was the culmination of more than a year of planning. We
were updated almost weekly on whether or not the bid had been received,
and what the feedback was.

 

So when we were told that our bid was rejected because of distance, I
can not express, in words, the feelings that we had. It was like
inviting folks to your home for a party, and no one comes....only worse.
It was like your parents telling you they did not want to come to your
house for Christmas because you live too far. I think it very sad
indeed, that the Autocrat withdrew her bid. She is new to our Kingdom,
but has added so much to our Barony with her enthusiasm and service, but
I understand (and share) her feelings.

 

Folks have pondered why we have a hard time getting bids for Kingdom
level events. I thought I would just share this, to put everything into
perspective.

 

YIS,

 

Alessandra