The Shire of Windegate invites all to gather for Whipping Winds XI. This will be August 21-24th at Williamson Park, outside Shelby, Montana.

Our site has lots of trees, a break from the roaring winds common for northern Montana.

The weekend will be filled with classes, archery, and armored Combat, as well as a Bardic competition.

Our site is located along the Marias River south of Shelby Montana. Be sure to bring your swimming gear, as playing in our river is ok. Just be aware of dangers to your smalls. There are also two small playgrounds on site for all to enjoy. We are again holding our feast on Saturday evening. Please sign up in advance, by contacting a Shire member listed below by email, as we have a cap of 150 persons this year. Last year we had a fire ban and many sites were unable to cook. Keep this in mind as you plan to attend. We never know about fire bans until day of the event.

Also, Shelby is just 7 miles north of site if you need items for your camp or desire to eat elsewhere. We have had several Merchant vendors on site in the past, so we invite new and old friends to come and sell their wares again, we only ask for a small donation for our annual auction event.

After ten years of battles, we are tied. For several years the gale of forces blew in from the south, issuing from the lands of Artemisia and crushed the forces of Avacal. A call is issued to all fighters, heavy and rapier, and unto all the archers of our kingdom to defend our northern borders from another onslaught of these dreaded foe and dear friends. Archers will have the opportunity to ‘reduce’ the number of heavy combatants by participating in our legendary cloud shoot. You do not have to be a combat archer to take part, just have your period archery gear in hand.

We are having a BARDIC COMPETION Saturday night. The Windegate shire will again play host to kingdom musicians. So dust off your songs, stories, etc… they will entertain all. There will some children activities planned but volunteers will asked to help.

If you would like to teach a class please contact one of the persons below.

SITE INFO: The site will open 10 a.m. Thursday August 21, 2014 and close 12 Noon Sunday August 24, 2014. Site fee is $25.00 per adult, children 4-10, $15.00, Under 4 free. Family Cap is $50.00 (Cards should be shown).

All SCA members will receive a five dollar discount upon showing proof of current membership. Feast Fee: $12.00 per person, $6 for 12 and under. $35.00 cap for fami- lies. Make checks payable to Shire of Windegate, SCA Inc.

DIRECTIONS: Take the best route to Interstate 15. Take exit 358 and follow road south 1 mile to Williamson Park exit on left (east) side of road. Signs will be posted. The site is wet, but please use period containers. Water will be available on site as well as re- strooms. Wasps have been a problem so use caution. “Well trained” pets (noise issues) and service animals are allowed on site (they are family too). Please use your judgment.

For our Techno friends the GPS is 48 25′ 31.90 N, 111 52’33.44 W

Event Steward Lady Sybil the daft (Dottie Marcucci) (406) 450-0652

Feast Steward Lord Robert the Peaceful (Robert Lettenga) (406) 450-0652

Other Contact Lady Lilli White

The Big Sky Renaissance Faire is an annual event put on by Big Sky Charities, a Montana non-profit.  Each year we use the faire as a venue to raise money for local non-profits.  For 2014, Big Sky Charities has selected to support the Pantry Partners Food Bank, in Stevensville, Montana.  Check out their website to see some of the programs they offer to help others.

The largest event of its kind in this area,the Montana Renaissance Faire  is a time to revel in the atmosphere of a 16th Century European Country Faire. Explore the bustling market place. Mingle and interact with costumed characters and enjoy their endless merriment and mayhem. 

The Faire will host full contact armored jousting tournaments. Watch gallant Knights defend their honor until the last man is left standing!  Cheer your favorite Knight to victory as he competes for his Ladies’ honor in this thrilling full armored Joust.