GREEN RIDGE HOLD HOMECOMING CELEBRATION
This feast is held annually in celebration of the safe return in late autumn of the ovine flocks and herders from the high meadows to the lower pastures near the Hold Grounds. The herders are dressed in their finest, and the horns of the lead rams and ewes of each flock are decorated with lavish headpieces. The entire Hold will turn out to welcome them back, which will occur west of the Hold Grounds.
Early in the morning, groups will go out from the Hold to intercept each flock and decorate the ovines as well as take colorful clothing to the herders. (Green Ridge Hold has many separate flocks of about a hundred ovines each, and all are welcome to post about meeting a flock.) The flocks will arrive at the Hold ovine pastures one at a time beginning around midmorning and will parade past the spectators amid cheering and laughter. You may be sure there will be food vendors offering tasty dishes to sustain everyone throughout the day. The parades will last until almost dark, at which time all will adjourn to the Main Hall for a feast. There will be some harper music, but the main music and dancing will be the following day.
This turn the festival will be more elaborate than last turn and will involve two days as a special welcome to the new Gold Riders at Ierne Island Weyr. On Day 22 breakfast and nooning meal will be served in the dining hall, and vendors will have stalls set up outside in the Market Day area. Runner races will be held at the race course in the morning; any gambling their outcome will be 'unofficial' but sure to be lively. Various games and competitions will be held: Foot races of all distances in the afternoon, weight lifting near the barn area, archery contests, and games like three legged races and sack races for adults and younglings alike. An ovine-throwing contest will be held at noon (no, not a real ovine--a hide stuffed with hay and weighted with stones)
A second feast will be held in the Great Hall, and music and dancing will begin immediately after the feast and will last until the small hours of the morning. Don't miss a good time--make sure to attend! Coordinator: Lady Holder Jianna
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