What is the Pennsic War, and Why Are We Doing This?

Quite simply, the Pennsic War, or Pennsic, is an annual, 2 week-long camping event that takes place in west-central Pennsylvania the first two weeks of August. It is the largest of the inter-kingdom wars, drawing as many as 13,000 gentles by the end of War Weekend. Its purpose is the annual "friendly" battle between the East Kingdom and the Middle Kingdom.The War is a camping event located at Cooper's Lake Campground just south of Slippery Rock, PA, and it is attended by representatives of all of the 16 kingdoms of the Known World. In addition to the battles, which one would expect at a war, there are classes, courts, stage entertainment, kingdom-sponsored parties, impromptu musical gatherings, merchanting, and a lot of fun. For most, this is one of the few chances to meet SCA members from other kingdoms. It is also a chance for local chapter officers to meet with their baronial and kingdom counterparts and to volunteer for some of the services provided to attendees. In short, there is something for everyone: fighting, shopping, volunteering, classes, socializing and networking.