Crafts, Causes, and Court: My Kris Kinder Market Adventure
Hey there, friends! I recently returned from this year’s Kris Kinder Market, and I had a blast! And you can see why. There’s just so much shopping to do.
After being part of the SCA for 30 years, I strolled through the vendors’ stands thinking I wouldn’t find anything I needed. And I didn’t really. But guess what? I took a second lap around the floor, not for me this time, but to lend a hand to some fantastic groups looking for support. Ti’s the season for giving, right?
There were four groups from Calontir geared up for some financial aid. The Equestrians had this cool silent auction thing going on. My own gang, the Calontir Scribes Guild, had some amazing handmade cards and pictures up for sale. The Barony of Coeur d’Ennui turned heads with their variety-packed tabletop garage sale. And I spotted an unstaffed table for the Lilies golf cart service, which had this neat deal: donate and pick a medieval-themed book for free! And hey, let’s not forget the students from the Lutheran High School of Kansa City, the venue for this Kris Kinder Market. They provided us yummy breakfast and lunch items. They even had gluten-free brownies. I made sure to tip them generously for their tasty spread.
Of course, I couldn’t resist picking up a few treasures. I found the cutest hand-sewn purple and gold stuffed felt dragon for my Apprentice HL Astrid and snagged a couple of basket-making books for myself – gotta feed that new craft obsession, right?
But it wasn’t all about shopping and supporting groups – there was so much more to Kris Kinder Market! For those looking to get involved or stay informed, various Calontir groups held their business meetings, buzzing with discussions and plans for future endeavors. For the curious minds, there were a handful of classes offering intriguing insights and skills, a perfect opportunity for both beginners and seasoned members to learn something new. And for anyone who’s been thinking about registering their name with the SCA College of Arms, there was a special treat – a promotional offer by Baron Saito Takauji to do just that. It was a great chance to make your mark in the SCA world. This blend of activities truly added more depth to the day, ensuring there was something for everyone.
And there was this one standout vendor this year – Jane’s Sewing Machine Sanitarium. HL Jane Fox’s table was a treasure trove of vintage and antique sewing machines, all plastic-free and lovingly refurbished. Hard to believe it, but these machines sew through at least 8 layers of fabric. And Jane could show you the proof. It’s incredible how she taught herself sewing machine repair and is now rocking her business. She sold out by the end of the day!
As the day drew to a close, the highlight for many of us was the majestic court held by Their Majesties, David and Rhianwen. Court is always a sight to behold – the regal atmosphere, the anticipation in the air, and the sense of community that binds us all in those moments. Their Majesties graced us with a ceremony filled with honor and tradition, presenting well-deserved awards to members of our Calontir family. Their words and gestures reminded us of the rich tapestry of history and camaraderie we share.
I managed to capture several pictures of these special moments, which I’ll be sharing in a separate post. Stay tuned for those – they really encapsulate the spirit and grandeur of the court. It was a fitting and beautiful conclusion to an already memorable day.
So, that was my day at the 2023 Kris Kinder Market – a mix of giving back, a bit of shopping, and a whole lot of fun. Can’t wait to hear about your adventures too. Drop a comment and let me know how your day went.
