Sir Walter Raleigh Costume Ball 2024

Who: Everyone is welcome!

What: Dancing, singing, and merriment for Valentine’s Day weekend.

When: Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Where:
Shared Visions Retreat Center (Old Murphey School)
3717 Murphy School Road
Durham, NC 27705

Why: North Carolina has the only state capital named for a dashing pirate who was beheaded. What better theme for a costume ball hosted by our living history club?

How:

  • CASH ONLY at the door.
  • Online registration with credit cards or PayPal is open until February 7th. You will need a free account at SCA.org.
  • This is a costume party. Wear a Renaissance costume, some other historical costume from before 1600, or pick one from our rolling costume closet.
  • Bring a potluck dish to share–ideally from Elizabethan England.
  • All state and local laws concerning alcohol and contraband will be strictly enforced, of course.

    Activities

    Dancing

    We will be learning and doing dances of a wide range of styles and speeds so there is something for everyone.

    • Bouncy dancing – got it!
    • Courtly, elegant dancing – got it!
    • Weaving through other lines of people – got it!
    • Spinning about to show off your fancy clothes – got it!

    Singing

    Between dance sets, we’ll sing some fun and easy rounds from the Tudor era.

    Runway

    If you like, saunter down the catwalk in your fancy outfit.

    Contests

    Recipe Contest

    Have you cooked up something historical for the potluck? Tell us about it. Extra points for cool historical details, artwork, or additional supporting information (“documentation”) about your recipe.

    Costume Contest

    Have you put together a great outfit? Tell us about it. Separate prizes for the most authentic Tudor outfit and the cutest kid outfit.

    Pricing

    • Adult SCA members $10 …Interested in membership?
    • Adult Non-members $15
    • Children 6-17 $5
    • Children 0-5 FREE

    Schedule

    NoonVolunteers arrive for hall setup
    5:00 PMDoors open
    5:00 PMCostume closet opens
    5:30 PMOrientation for new dancers
    5:30 PMPotluck starts serving
    6:00 PMFirst dance set
    6:45 PMSinging rounds
    7:00 PMSecond dance set
    7:45 PMCostume Runway
    8:00 PMThird dance set
    8:45 PMClosing ceremonies
    9:00 PMReturn borrowed costumes
    9:30 PMDoors close
    11:00 PMQuiet time begins
    12:00 PMLock up and lights out.

    Staff

    PositionNameSCAContact
    Event StewardBrian ToweyCharles Flemingbrian@ib-ent.com
    Deputy Event StewardIngrid ToweyOdile de Strasbourgingrid@ib-ent.com
    RegistrationCatherine Y. King Adair of Makyswell adairofmakyswell@gmail.com
    GateA. PennachiRíoghnach inghean Uí Clérigh


    birthdayres@buckston.
    windmastershill.org
    Hall StewardAmy GibsonAudreyanya Rzyszczewskiamylg2012@gmail.com
    Newcomers & CostumesLaurel McHoneseneschal@buckston.
    windmastershill.org
    Dance MasterDavid OxfordBryan Morgandavid@oakhaven.org
    BardAndrea StehleDiana of Viroconiummagistrastehle@gmail.com
    Band Leader (or DJ)TBD
    GamesMary KearneyMor the Merrybaronessmor@yahoo.com
    Food CoordinatorTBD
    Arts & CraftsTBD

    Cash Bar

    Honeygirl Meadery will be at the Ball with their delicious meads!