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Festival of the Passing of the Ice Dragon

March 28 @ 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

service animals only no pets allowed no alcohol allowed

Additional Notes on Alcohol Policy: No alcohol whatsoever, not even in the parking lot. The Pentathlon’s brewing category will be judged off-site.
Additional Notes on Flames: No flames inside the building, but we will have some fire pits going down in the fighting area.
Additional Notes on Weapons: ONLY Peace-bonded weapons allowed in sanctuary.

Ice Dragon
Hosted by the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Gowanda Free Methodist Church — 149 W. Main St., Gowanda, NY 14070

Hear the heralds cry across the land!
As winter’s icy grip begins to fade and the promise of spring stirs once more, the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael warmly invites one and all to gather for The Festival of the Passing of the Ice Dragon — a grand celebration of skill, valor, creativity, and camaraderie.
Preregister Now!

The site’s capacity is limited to 350 gentles, and pre-registration is most heartily encouraged — not only to secure your place, but to earn a chance at rich reward!
All who pre-register shall be entered into a door prize drawing, and those who bring gifts for the Paladin’s Pantry shall also receive a ticket for the drawing. Our door prize is a stained glass depiction of the great Ice Dragon herself!

Highlights of the Festival
– A&S Pentathlon: Marvel at the works of artisans from across Æthelmearc! Entrants will present their finest creations in this prestigious competition of craftsmanship and creativity. Whether you are an entrant or an admirer, come be inspired by the beauty and skill of the Society’s artisans.
– Martial Tournaments: Witness the clash of chivalry and honor as heavy and rapier fighters take the field to test their mettle in friendly combat. A viewing gallery will be available so all may cheer the valiant and celebrate their deeds, please bring your own chair!
– Paladin’s Pantry: In the spirit of charity and good fellowship, all gentles are invited to bring forth offerings of non-perishable sustenance, that they may be bestowed upon those in need within our fair community.
– Merchants’ Row: Peruse the wares of skilled merchants and craftsfolk from across the realm! This year’s merchants:
* Medieval Misfits
* Ren
* Aries Designs
* Goblin Parlor Games
* Sunshadow Design
* Springer Lee’s
* Jen & Hanna Schoonouer
– Festive Dayboard: Our cooks are taking into account various food allergies and sensitivities whilst creating the menu. Dishes will include:
* Soups
* Veggie tarts
* Freshly baked bread
* And more!
– Vigils: One vigil will be held during the day. All are welcome to share their words and well-wishes with The Honorable Lady Mairin O’Cadhla.
– Bardic Delights: Warm your heart with performances both stirring and merry, and add your own voice to the harmony if you so wish!
– Scribal Silent Auction: Place your bid upon pieces that please your eye, and carry home a work of beauty and craft. In so doing, you lend your support to the noble arts of the scribes.

Announcements
– This year, Ice Dragon festivities are taking place at multiple locations. Due to this arrangement, attendees are kindly asked to check in at troll at the main location before making their way to fighting or fencing. MOLs will be checking that attendees have their site tokens before taking part in martial activities.
– Food is not allowed in the gym at our fencing location. As we do not wish anyone to go hungry, our staff will be bringing some dayboard snacks over for the fencers that may be eaten outside the gym.
– Only peace-bonded weapons are allowed in the sanctuary where court will be taking place. Thank you for helping us respect the space we will be in.

Site Information
Main Location: Gowanda Free Methodist Church, 149 W. Main St., Gowanda, NY 14070
Fencing Location: Community Place, 1 School Street, Gowanda, NY 14070
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Main Site Opens to the populace: 8:00 a.m.
Main Site Closes: 8:00 p.m.
Fencing Site Opens: 11:00 a.m.
Fencing Site Closes: 3:00 p.m.

Site Fees:
– Adult Nonmember: $30
– Adult SCA Member: $20
– 17 and under: Free
Please make checks payable to “SCA NY, Inc – Barony of Rhydderich Hael.”

Whether you come to test your skill, display your artistry, or simply enjoy the company of friends, The Festival of the Passing of the Ice Dragon welcomes you to celebrate the passing of winter’s chill and the awakening of spring’s promise.

Raise your banners, ready your crafts and blades, and come share in the Dream!

Autocrat:
Noble Lijsbet Hoefman
(mka Melissa Landon)
idautocrat@wnysca.org
716-361-5578 (Texts preferred. If you call, leave a message, and I will get back to you. I do not pick up for unknown phone numbers.)

Reservation Clerk:
THL Ciar Inghean Ui Chrotaigh
(mka Charlene Smith)
idreservations@wnysca.org
Pre-registration payments may be mailed to:
1007 West Grandview Blvd
Erie, PA 16509

Details

Event Steward

Other

Event Space
Mixed Indoor & Outdoor
Outdoor activity space & terrain
Heavy fighting & fencing, weather permitting. Access to these locations requires walking along paved surfaces and slopes. Activities are sited on grass.
Activities in Indoor/Outdoor areas that require stairs
Yes
Areas requiring stairs, activities in these areas, and accommodations for access
Second floor, basement, and main sanctuary of building are reachable by stairs. Elevator services all main floors, lift services fellowship hall and main sanctuary. We are planning on using the entire site, top to bottom.
Court is accessible without use of Stairs
Yes
Accessible restrooms/changing rooms
Yes
Designated Accessibility Parking Available
Yes
Parking lot terrain
Sloped in sections, one parking area is gravel.

Venue