The hall was full of folks socializing and enjoying the various offerings of food and drink. This year's feast was fantastic with it's Tudor theme. There was roasted goat, rabbit and fresh home made sausage made by Lady Tamsyn and her husband Lord Kylfur.
The traditional dessert contests were held once everyone had a chance to sample all of lovely food that folks brought in. Check out the winners!
- Best Chocolate Dessert (won by Dame Hrefna Karsefni)
- Best Non Chocolate Dessert (won by Valerie Deaton)
- Best Themed Dessert (won by Samantha and Carolina)
- Best Diabetic Friendly Dessert (won by Uliane Iosefona)
- Best Youth Dessert (won by Colton Haggard)
Another tradition at Chocolate Revel is the Youth and Adult Jousting competitions. The College has a fine stable of stick horses ready to be used and much fun was had by all. I was unable to get pictures of the Youth Jousting itself, but here's a lovely picture of the children being informed of the rules as well as some shots of the world famous Brymstonne Stables. Congratulations to M'lord Garret McCloud, winner of this year's Joust!
The adult jousting is even more spectacular than the youth competition. Here is video of the grudge match between Dame Jennifer Trethewy and Mistress Eden Blacksmith. It was a tough battle, but in the end, Dame Jennifer emerged victorious to claim the title for the second year in a row. Thanks to Baron Kristoff for posting video of this event. Additional video this year's adult joust as well as historical joust footage can be seen here.
A quiz, written by Yours Truly, was offered to test the historical knowledge of Henry and his wives. All who submitted their quizzes were entered into a drawing for a prize. Congratulations to Taylor and Catherine, who won books to brush up on their history.
Finally, a frog flipping contest was held to break in the latest Brymstonne project. Congratulations to m'lord Brandon of Twin Moons for his prowess at frog flipping. I did not get pictures of the contest itself, but here's a shot of the Brymstonne lake.
The highlight of the day was the processional of Henry and his wives. According to Lady Selina, seneschal of the College, the Tudor Project was the brain child of Lord Uther the Dark from Ered Sul, who came to the Valley a little over a year ago and spoke about how he would love to dress up as Henry VIII and have all his wives with him in one place. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to make it to the event itself, but because of this idea, a massive sewing project was undertaken by members of the college and other volunteers from the kingdom. Mistress Magdalen Venturosa came to the event and presented Henry and his wives to the tune of her filk "The Tudor Limbo". Can you guess who is who? Check it out!
In addition to the contests, chocolate and food, there were a couple of fundraisers put on by the College to garner general funds. A silent auction was held with various items donated by the populace, which raised a little over 600 dollars for the college. Master Phillipos the Skeptic, in his guise as Cardinal Wolsey, also sold "indulgences" complete with a "papal seal" absolving the bearer of a variety of sins in exchange for a donation to the College's coffers. The good Cardinal was able to raise just about 150 dollars by offering this spiritual service.
I set up my camera, along with a borrowed tripod from Baron Kristoff (Thanks again! :) in front of one of the silk banners that the College is known for to take formal portraits of the attendees. Check out some of the well dressed folks who attended the event. All of the pictures are available online in my Picasa Album. Anyone who is interested in getting a full size, high resolution picture for their own personal use can contact me to make arrangements.
Of course, There is no Chocolate Revel without DANCE! Mistress Jehanne came out and led the populace in all sorts of dancing and merriment. The highlight was having the music pumped through the audio system in the Center, providing a lovely background for all of the populace to enjoy.
A Bardic Circle was also held in the lobby where folks sat around in a circle and shared their songs and stories. Unfortunately, I couldn't get pictures of these events, but they are all traditional parts of this great event. Maybe next year?
The final event of the evening before the winners were announced and we made our way home was Master Phillipos apprenticing M'lord Yehoshua ben Abram. Here are some pictures of the belting. Congratulations and good luck in your path, honey!
The College of Brymstonne is known for putting on AWESOME events. They work very hard to create a special ambiance that gives a great feel for the Current Middle Ages. They are a close knit group of people who are very welcoming and have introduced many a college student to the SCA and provide a safe place for new folks to explore their interest and find their place in this magnificent game we play.
Come on out to next year's Chocolate Revel! You'll have a blast, I guarantee it!
