kingdom festivals

March 20

Founding Day

This marks the day in 528 that Garic Lorne finished construction on the fort that would one day become Stonegate Keep.  It is considered to be the day that the Lorne family began ruling over the area that would and expand into the Kingdom of Stonegate.  It is celebrated with a feast followed by commoners and nobles pledging fealty to the King.

April 15

Springfest

This festival is highlighted by bardic circles.  It is a celebration of the planting of crops and birth of new livestock.  It is also the time when children born in last year officially registered as citizens.

May 12

Stormwin Day

This day is named after the Royal Magician Stormwin who died in defending Stonegate Keep during the Horde War.  It celebrates the magic users
and their magic within the Kingdom.  Magical creations are shown off this day and casting contests held.

June 30

Summer Festival

This is one of the biggest festival of the year.  Mock combat, melee and spell tournaments, archery tournaments, footraces, and battles of wits are
held on this day.  At the end of the day, a huge feast is held sponsored by the Count or Baron of the land.  This is also the traditional day for engagements are announced.

July 20

The King's Birthday

This a feast day with martial contests.  On this day, one  commoner is recognized by the local Baron, Count or even the King for meritous service to the Kingdom.  This commoner is in charge of making all decisions concerning the feasts for that day.  He/she will judge the contests,  decide what the contests will be and what kind of food will be served at the feast.

August 22

Remembrance Day 

This a day   to mourn and remember those who have died in defense of Kingdom.  This includes those who died in the Horde War and fighting
to create all the smaller areas that later combined to become the Kingdom of Stonegate.  Many of the festivals have military parades and martial contests.  Ceremonies are held at which the names of local heroes  who have died in the past are remembered.

September 20

Harvest Festival

Various contests are held on this day.  They mainly involve agricultural products.  The Biggest Pumpkin, The Largest Pig, and The Fastest Horse
contests are examples of such contests.  Another big part of the festival is the baked goods contests.  Many farmers bring in pies, cakes, and other baked goods to be judged by the local nobility.  The winners of these contest receive a small prize, but the recognition of having the best is good enough for most people.

October 18

Worker's Day

The week  before this date is filled with tournaments and celebrations.  It is highlighted by a feast for the entire town held by the reigning noble
of the land.  This feast is in recognition of the artisans and craftsman who work to make the Kingdom grow.  This feast day was originally started by Lord Negon Mangus of River's End in 576.

December 22

Winterfeast

This day celebrates the middle of winter.  It is usually celebrated with the exchange of gifts between friends.  There is also a feast made up mostly of
fresh meat products.   This will be the last time fresh meat is eaten until the spring.  This is because most of the remaining meat products are smoked after this to save them.   Fresh meat usually becomes scarce after this due to the fact that winter becomes harsher after this date, making hunting
difficult.