The Barony of Calafia celebrates its New Year’s Harvest anniversary with a theme inspired by the Navajo season of Gháájí', meaning half, a time that marks the shift between summer and winter. This moment also aligns with the first new moon and the close of the harvest, and attendees are encouraged to show their harvest best as Calafia’s new year begins.
The day includes lysts and both an opening and a closing court at Their Excellencies’ leisure. Adult Event Registration is $25, with a $15 Adult Member Discount. Youth under 18 attend as guests of the Barony. Cash and checks are accepted at gate, and checks should be made payable to SCA Inc./Barony of Calafia. A county fee of $3 per car, cash only, is collected at the park entrance.
Combat competitions in Armored, Rapier, Cut and Thrust, and Youth combat will determine the next Baronial Champions. Archery and thrown weapons will not be held at this anniversary, and will instead take place during the Calafia Equestrian Championship in December.
Activities feature the Dirty Dozen Largesse Competition, the Taste of Calafia brewers competition, a special mini archery range, and more. Additional details will be shared on the event page as they become available.
For the Dirty Dozen Largesse Competition, entrants create twelve coordinated items suitable for largesse, for example a dozen needle books, twelve hats drawn from one or multiple periods, twelve items tied to a specific era, or a dozen children’s toys. Items that normally come in pairs should be submitted as twelve pairs. Each piece should be tagged with the item type, the artisan’s name and province, and be ready to be gifted that day. No documentation is required, and items should not carry heraldry. Voting is by populace token, with a cup placed by each display. After votes are counted, the top entry selects three items from any of the submissions as a prize, then the remaining entrants choose in order of finish, with each entry chosen only once. The other eleven items from each entry are given to Their Excellencies for future largesse.
The Taste of Calafia, hosted by the Calafian Brewers Guild in the spirit of the Potrero gathering, welcomes entries that are fermented beverages such as ales, meads, or ciders, or non alcoholic drinks to comply with site rules. Cordials and mixed drinks are not permitted. Each submission should be at least 22 ounces. Organizers ask prospective entrants to share their plans in advance to help anticipate numbers and styles, and questions are welcome.
Calafia Archery presents a mini range hosted by Order of the Mark Vigilant Ronan de Bhal as part of a wandering vigil. All ages can try a few shots with suction cup arrows and rubber band bows, no experience required, simply a willingness to have fun.
Lunch is prepared by the Willie family clan and its matriarch, offering a modern take on comforting homestyle foods suited to the seasonal change. Vegetarian options will be available, water will be on hand, and participants should bring their own feast gear. A $10 suggested donation supports the meal.
Site notes include a damp site policy. Smoking, including vaping, is prohibited on park grounds. Pets are welcome and must remain leashed at all times.
Groups from visiting baronies planning to bring a pavilion should contact the event stewards in advance to arrange space. Merchants are welcome with a California seller’s permit and may reach out to the stewards for details. Event stewards are Noble Ádeezbáá, dxʷdəwʔabš nishłį́ Tł’ízídaalchí’í bashishchiin, and THLady Adella Silberfpeil.
