Return with us to the Mermaid Tavern of Old London, where the literary giants of the Middle Ages gathered for revelry and inspiration. Enjoy the day.s tournaments, gaming, and especially the feasting. Master Robear de Bardoulf, Master Oshi, THLord Thorgrimr inn Kyrri, and company will prepare a sumptuous feast that will be long-remembered!

Fighting -- Both heavy and rapier fighters will enjoy rousing tourneys, followed by a boastful challenge contest, where they can bring their own heralds to make their fetes of bravery and deeds of chivalry known to the populace. The winners of these challenges will be determined by ladies. choice. Competitions for our archers will be held, as well.

Arts & Sciences -- Two A&S competitions will be held at the Mermaid. In honor of the great writers who frequented the Mermaid, like Ben Jonson, Beaumont, and William Shakespeare, a competition will be held for the best short literary work inspired by these masters. The second competition will be for any item evoking the Mermaid. Documentation for these competitions is highly recommended, but not required to enter.

An open display area will also be provided. Bring your A&S projects, whether completed or in process, to inspire us all.

Gaming -- Games of chance are always a favorite at the Mermaid, and this year is no exception. We.ll have a variety of favorites to challenge your luck and wits.

Merchants -- You are welcome but must provide your own tables and shelter. Limited merchant space will be available in the lower level of the feast hall, but please let us know you are coming.

Feast -- The Mermaid will undoubtedly be filled to its gills for Master Robear and company.s feast! Since feast will surely sell out early, please make your reservations today. Feast space will be available only by pre-reservation. Pre-registrations for feast must be received by March 23, 2005.

Cost -- On Board $14, Off Board $7, Children 12 and under ½ price, Children under 3 are guests of the Canton. Non-members add additional $3 surcharge to all site fees. Make all checks payable to .Canton of Aire Faucon, SCA Inc.. Send reservations to the Cyriac Grymsdale (Kevin Towery), 1231 Monroe Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054.

Autocrat -- Lidia de Ragusa (Lydia Towery), 1231 Monroe Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054, (704) 862-6492. (Please, no phone calls after 9 pm), email: lidia_de_ragusa@yahoo.com

For more details and all the latest information check out the event website aire.atlantia.sca.org/Inn2005.html

The site is once again Camp Loy White, 258 Hull Rd, Casar, NC 28020. Site opens at 10am and closes at 10pm. This site is Absolutely Bone Dry. Anyone who has alcohol on site will be asked to leave and will not get a refund of their event fee. Sorry, no pets allowed.

As per SCA policy, minors must be accompanied by their parents who have signed a waiver for them, or minors must have a minor waiver signed by their parent to turn in when they check in, even if they have a membership card. Minors without waivers cannot be permitted to attend the event.

From I-85 North or South: Take US Hwy 74 to Shelby, follow Business 74 to the right, after 1.5 miles go north (Right) on NC Hwy 180. After 5.1 miles turn right on NC Hwy 18. Go approx 9 miles & turn Left on Carpenter.s Grove Road (there is a sign for Camp Loy White and also one for Belwood Community Center at this intersection). Go 2.5 miles. Turn Left on St. Paul's Church Rd, go 2 miles and turn Left on Hull Rd. Go a halfmile, then Left into Camp Loy White.