The Shire of Bordergate would like to invite one and all to participate in Avacal’s largest event of the year. Join in this historic event with some of the greatest battles ever fought. Many activities await to tantalize your senses; Heavy and Light war scenarios, Heavy and Light tournaments, Archery and Throwing Weapons galore, Bardic activities, TUA classes, Arts and Sciences, Youth and Family activities, Merchants’ Row and more. Come join us!
Dates & Cost
June 28, 2024, noon – July 1, 2024, noon
Adult – $40; Adult Member Discount – $30
Youth & Children (under 17 years) – Free
Merchant Registration – no additional fees
Directions
Near Marsden, SK – No street address available
52°52’47.7″N 109°54’55.5″W
From the West – though Wainwright, AB: Travel East on Highway 14 AB, this becomes Highway 40 SK at the border. Proceed 8km past the border and turn North (left) on Artlan Road (this is opposite of Suffern Lake turn off #680). Travel 4.6km north and turn West (left) on to field road.
From the East – through North Battleford, SK: Travel West on Highway 40 SK to Marsden, SK. Continue 5km past Marsden and turn North (right) on Artlan Road (this is opposite of Suffern Lake turn off #680). Travel 4.6km north and turn West (left) on to field road
About the Location:
This amazing land location is privately owned by TE Alfheim & Adeline (Stew & Gail Hiar). All of the buildings and structures have been developed and are privately owned by the owners or the many individuals within our fair kingdom. Walk around and enjoy all there is to see. Please be mindful and leave things just as nice as or better than you found it.
The castle is in need of some repairs. Any individuals under 18 must be accompanied by adults.
Any restricted areas marked with chain link fence are not to be explored.
There are several treed and grassy areas that have been developed as permanent camping sites. This may include removal or planting of trees, placements of wind breaks and bracken fences as well as permanent structures. These locations are either marked on-spot or in the general map of the site. If you are interested in developing your own space (see the page on building on site) or wish to attend the site to prepare for the event or work on your space, you must contact the site owners, Stewart & Gail Hiar (connect below) in advance to coordinate access. Arriving unannounced prior to the event is discouraged.
Water:
Please bring your own drinking water for the event.
There is a well on site, drilled in 2022. However, we have not yet tested the water this year. Thus we are advertising it as not potable. Water is available at the well house near the dwarf encampment & the shower house. Again, we are not recommending you drink it.
Local Marsden water can be collected at the water plant in town. Although it is potable, it is not that pleasant with its high mineral content.
Garbage Disposal and Refundable Recycling:
Garbage and refundable recycling bags may be available at Gate. Please be considerate to those volunteers handling the recycling & sort accordingly.
In order to maintain our low event fees, please take your garbage with you when you leave: pack in, pack out.
There are a few garbage and recycling receptacles stationed throughout the Merchant area for general public use.
Volunteering prior to the event:
The event team may be looking for volunteers to assist with site preparations either weeks in advance or just a few days prior. If you are interested, please contact the event team or Steward to inquire about volunteering. Many hands make for light work.
General
- Do not cross the archery range. It will be marked with caution tape.
- The Castle was built for combat. There are potential hazards; please do not let children explore unsupervised.
- Dragons: Move dragons (vehicles) once you have them unloaded to the designated parking area. From Friday 16:00 to Monday morning, vehicles should only be loading or unloading and then moved. Please respect this request.
- During the event, dragons (vehicles) are NOT permitted in the main playing areas. This means DO NOT drive down merchants row or through town square.
- Pets are to be leashed, clean up after and under control at all time. Pets are not allowed in the public eating areas during meals. Pet access to merchant spaces and or buildings are at the discretion of the merchant.
- Firewood shelters throughout the site are filled for public use. Any dead fall is ok to harvest for firewood.
- Please return all unused wood to the shelters – random wood piles are hard on the lawn mowers. They make for an unhappy Alfheim. Sad emoji.
Fire Rules:
- All cabin structures are required to have a CSA approved fire extinguisher.
- All cabins with internal heat source must ensure adequate protection and space from combustible surfaces.
- Any structure, cabin or tent, using a combustible heater must ensure adequate ventilation as well as keep away from flammable surfaces. It is strongly recommended that a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector are used in conjunction with combustion heaters.
- Ground fires are not allowed.
- Above ground braziers will be allowed at the discretion of the Event Steward and Land Owners. Weather and RM Fire Bans may prevent fires from being allowed. Fire status will be announced just prior to and during the event.
- Please ensure your encampment has fire suppression (eg large bucket of water & large bucket of sand) nearby if you intend to have a fire (dependent on fire status/ban). Do NOT leave fire unattended.
- Torches to be kept in proper support (i.e. portable holes). Do not locate near combustible material. Use is subject to the discretion of the Event Steward and Land Stewards (Owners).
- Everyone on site is responsible for their safety as well as the safety of others. Please be responsible with all fires.
Smoking
- Smoking: Cigarette butts are not to be thrown on the ground. Please dispose of safely and properly. There may be “smokers point” set up in a few locations with sand buckets for butt disposal.
- Smoking Cannibus: only use in designated areas (parking lot OR Cavalier Village)
- Smoking meat: well, there’s lots of places where this occurs. Sniff it out! Happy face emoji