Th'Gatherin' in WaKeeney, KS!

[Nighthawk]

So to preface this little picture gallery, I have to start off with a sombre note by marking the passing of a dear friend of mine, a gentleman by the name of Curtis Judd.



Curtis died of stomach cancer back in November, shortly before Thanksgiving. He was the reason I went to this festival in the first place. I had been attending an event in Colorado that takes place on the same weekend, promising Curtis that I would go with him to the Gathering. He loved this festival, and it always coincided with his birthday. I figured there's always next year. Well, this time around, there was no next year. This year was the fulfillment of a promise made to him.

So with that being said, I did go with his family- his wife, his son Kelton, his daughter Meaghan (whom informed me that I am no longer to call her Meggy- she's 8 now and too old for a little girl name!) and oldest child, Jenna. Also in attendance from our part of Colorado were my friends Mark and Darla, and their son Aiden. There were a lot of laughs and a few tears.

We'll start simple- my camp table. The observant person will notice the chamber pot...



This is how I was dressed, being there with reenactors and all



My camp...



I missed a fair amount of the events taking place. In my living history group, I teach about the history of leather work, and had taken a project with me to work on. I was hired to make a targe for Clan Irwin, and was working on it. I missed the outdoor events because an adorable, and rather willful, 9 year old girl took an interest in what I was doing and wanted to learn, and being who I am, how could I say no?? I spent most of the afternoon giving lessons on leather carving, and missed the May Poll dance... Anyways, this was the progress I made on the targe:



So onto the events that I didn't miss! The Wallace Challenge... The challenge was to take hold of the reproduction of William Wallace's sword, grab it one handed by the pommel, and hold it straight-armed for as long as possible:



This gentleman, who came from Japan just for this event, provided atmosphere. That man can play!!:



The fae folk were out in force for the event! This one is named Jenna:



And Meaghan (NOT Meggy!!)



All the dancing faeries!

[Nighthawk]

So my friends- Mark and Darla:



Katee- she's the central figure with the black hair, behind Jenna-Fae:



Katee, by the way, is the person responsible for all the faeries. She found a thrift store in town, bough $20 worth of sheets, curtains, etc, and spent the afternoon dressing up all the girls.

And the night ended with a flaming Baeltane circle/ritual:





Bonfire!!





So that's what I've been up to, for those of you asking.

[ASinclair]

Sorry for your loss, Nighthawk, and glad you made good on your promise to your friend. I like your outfit, your campsite, and I really like that targe. The faeries are cute. A night-time fire ceremony really adds some punch to an event, doesn't it. Thanks for sharing.

[Downunder Kilt]

Thanks for the pics Travis and the update. Cheers