When people ask where you are going for your summer vacation, most people say the beach or the mountains or something similar.  For BHS alumnus Samantha Silva, the answer is a little more complicated.  For the last five years, she has traveled back in time to the Medieval period for her vacation.  She, along with around twenty others from Harrison County and the surrounding area, travels to the Pennsic Wars, held each year near Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania.

 

For 17 days each summer, a campground in Pennsylvania comes alive with the sights and sounds of life prior to the 17^th Century.  With over 10,000 attending each year, the Pennsic War is the largest event sponsored by the Society for Creative Anachronism and draws people from as far away as Germany, Italy, Australia and Greece.  Silva, also known as Lady Barbaia of Sable Maul, lives with a group that has three cops, two doctors, a lawyer and a preacher, all from our area.  “I would say that we pretty much have it covered when it comes to moral, legal and medical issues,” says Silva. 

 

It was her mother who first got Silva involved in the event, which has been going on for 43 years.  Pennsic Wars hosts battles between two large regional groups:  The Kingdom of the East and Middle Kingdom.  Unlike the Live Action Role Play (LARP) groups, those who participate use historically accurate weapons and armor and recreate a point in history as if it were happening now.  “We refer to it as the Current Middle Ages,” says Silva and participants stay in that time period for the entire experience. 

 

In addition to the battles, a number of classes are offered at Pennsic as well.  Pennsic University allows participants to become well versed in the skills, trades and performing arts of that time period.  “There are classes in dancing, music,  theater and more.”  Even the camping areas stay true to the theme, as the campers and tents are disguised to resemble castles and gypsy wagons and even sailing ships.  Because it is such a large event, giving up some of the modern luxuries has proven to be a challenge, but adds to the authenticity of the experience. 

 

In the Opening Ceremony, the Royalty of the Known World process onto the battlefield, where war is formally declared.  The winners of the individual battles receive points that are added up throughout the 17 days to determine the winner.  Theatrical productions, drumming, dancing and parties take place throughout the event and hundreds of vendors display their wares.  Pottery, jewelry, clothing, armor, weapons and more are available in the Medieval marketplace.

 

“My favorite part of Pennsic Wars is the family bonds I have made.  It’s like having 30-40 siblings who love me as I am.  When I am there, I don’t have to conform to what the modern world expects of me, I can relax and enjoy time with those I love doing things I love,” said Silva, who plans to continue going to Pennsic in the future.