News Eagle

Bingham Park was invaded by people from the Middle Ages last Saturday as part of Medieval Movie Night.

About 25 members of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) took part in a living history demonstration of life in pre-17th century Europe as part of the Medieval Movie Night. The SCA members, who are part of the local chapters the Canton of Riverouge and the Barony of the Endless Hills, create personas and dress as people in the Medieval period would have, said one member, who appeared in full plate armor and dressed as a knight would have.

The SCA members brought examples of period art, including a Viking Raiding Necklace, hand made costumes and several different types of armor. There was also a display featuring a Saxon tent and the various items a knight might carry with him as he traveled to a tournament or to a crusade.

Fencers and fighters entered tournament fields to demonstrate the skills needed in the Middle Ages to defend their homes or their country. Following strict rules for safety, the fighters and fencers showed a steady stream of visitors to the Park how people fought back then.

The SCA members were joined in the demonstrations by other local craftsmen. The Woodland Weavers and Spinners brought looms and spinning wheels from several historical periods to share with visitors.

The Cherry Ridge Carvers brought many examples of wood carving from its members.

Thor the Barbarian, who runs a role playing program at the Hawley Library, added to the fun, as he sat under the shade of the trees in the Park and told stories to the children of all ages.

Many visitors came dressed in Medieval costumes as they moved from display to display. A costume contest was held with prizes given out to the best costume.

There were also merchants selling hand crafted items in the Park.

After visiting the Medieval Demonstration, many visitors went downtown in Hawley for the activities offered as part of First Saturday where there were pony rides, entertainment and plenty of store specials.

Then at dusk families returned to the Park and watched the movie First Knight starring Richard Gere and Sean Connery.

The Medieval Movie Night was sponsored by Hawley Movies in the Park Committee, The Canton of Riverouge - SCA, the Wayne County Drug Task Force and Hawley General Store.

Members of the Canton and Movies in the Park said they were pleased with the turn out for the event. Only in its second, the Medieval Movie has grown from having only a handful of SCA members to the more than two dozen who appeared this year. The addition of other local craftsmen added to the festivities this year, something organizers would like to see increase again next year.

Movies in the Park will be holding their second movie on Sept. 19. The movie will be preceded by the annual Hawley Picture Scavenger Hunt at 6:30 pm.