Baroness’ Masked Ball
Barony of Darkwood
German Cultural Center Santa Cruz (German American Hall)
230 Plymouth Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Saturday, December 5, 2026
10:30am – 7:00pm
Their Excellencies Francisco and Margaret encourage all to journey to Darkwood to celebrate Saturnalia. So don your brightly colored tunica and mantles, no working togas here, and join us in festive frivolity. Discover who will become the Sovereign of Misrule, partake in the scrumptious sideboard, dabble in the art of calligraphy, take a spin on the dance floor, and cheer on the slug chariot gladiators or join their ranks yourself. This is a discreetly dry site (i.e., all alcoholic beverage containers must be kept out of sight and taken home with you).
Two Separate Bardic Competitions will be held:
The Annual Bard of the Oak Competition. The three parts of the competition are: A piece in a period style; Best piece written (masterwork); and 3-words from the hat & create a piece on site. If you have questions contact the current Bard of the Oak Corwin ap Rhys (FB: Corwin Moore) corpatnestmoore@gmail.com
A special bardic competition to find the Official Song of the Barony of Darkwood. There have been many bardic pieces written about Darkwood in one way or another, however, there has never been an official song until now. This competition is not affiliated with the Bard of the Oak competition and will be run separately. All are welcome to compete, whether they live within the baronial boundaries or not, and entries may be performed by an individual, duo, or small group (3-5ppl). The goal is to have an official song that everyone can learn and sing together at the 40th Anniversary Whiteshield Event scheduled for the first weekend in March 2027 at Bolado Park in Tres Pinos. Please be prepared to submit a typed version of your song to the judges after your performance.
Song Criteria:
Should be 3 verses and a chorus
Must reflect Darkwood as a whole (i.e., not singular event or activity specific)
May not include any specific names of people, including but not limited to former baron & baronesses.
There is no requirement to mention the individual groups within the barony but, if you are thinking in this direction you must mention them all.
There are so many wondrous things planned:
Dabble in the Art of Calligraphy – Learn to write your name
Take a turn on the dance floor – Learn a dance or two
Themed Table Decoration Contest (No candles/flame permitted – LED candles are fine)
Parade of Masks Contest (Bring your own mask or decorate a simple mask on-site)
Slug Chariot Races (more information to come)
Acorn Spoon (Theme TBA – Please bring a complete list of ingredients and be prepared to discuss your dish) Current Acorn Spoon holder – Brokkr the Merry (Bob Moon)
Parking: The hall has a parking lot with 44 spaces, which includes two designated handicap spaces and several spaces that are designated “compact”. Please do not park your larger car in the compact spaces as this will impact the driveway and other parking spots. There is additional limited street parking on Plymouth Street and Button Street.
Directions:
From the North: take your best route to Hwy 17 south toward Santa Cruz. When the highway splits, stay in the far left lane toward Ocean Street/Beaches. Make a left onto Plymouth Street, which will be the first signal light. Turn left at the first cross street to stay on Plymouth Street. Stay to your right to continue on Plymouth Street (Do Not Take the HWY 1 South On-Ramp). The hall will be on your right and the driveway into the parking lot is just past the hall.
From the South: take your best route to Hwy 1 north toward Santa Cruz. Take exit 441A for Emeline Avenue. Turn left onto Emeline Avenue. Turn right onto Fernside Street. Continue onto Plymouth Street. The hall will be on your left and the driveway into the parking lot is just before the hall.
Event Steward: Norinna O’Shaughnessy
Contact: norinna@westkingdom.org
831-227-9957
