Longswords in Sunken Park

Mattias Anderson and Ellery von Dassow take a break from longsword practice in Friday Harbor's Sunken Park. Photo by Aaron Shepard.

One Saturday afternoon last October, I was hurrying downtown in Friday Harbor to photograph the annual Farm Parade when I came upon the following scene in Sunken Park.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

I knew at once this was something new to me. The swords and protective clothing were too heavy for normal fencing, and the movements too aggressive and disciplined for fantasy reenactment or role play. But I only had time to snap a few shots before hurrying on.

Luckily, a woman walking the same way tipped me off that these two young swordsmen were regular visitors to the park. So, I went back two weeks later and found them again.

Their names are Mattias Anderson (pronounced ma-TEE-us) and Ellery von Dassow, and they're practitioners of an art called medieval longsword. It's part of an international revival movement called Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). Though their swords are blunt, their movements are authentic, based on manuals written by German and Italian masters of the Middle Ages. The bouts have rigid rules, and protective gear is required!

Mattias and Ellery are both San Juan Island residents, though Ellery goes to university in Bellingham. The longsword events they attend are in Bellingham and Seattle. So far, they say, they're the only two longsword fighters in the San Juan Islands, but they hope others will join them. Weather permitting, they meet in Sunken Park every other Saturday at 2:00.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

2015 Island Lights Festival

Christmas tree lighting at the 2015 Island Lights Festival in Friday Harbor. Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Each year at Christmas, people of Friday Harbor come to watch the lighting of the trees at Memorial Park, accompanied by caroling and an appearance by Santa Claus. This year, kids and their caretakers gathered before the ceremony at the Whale Museum to make decorations; and afterwards, at the Brickworks, a community center, to make crafts with San Juan Island Parks & Recreation, enjoy refreshments provided by the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild, meet characters from the Animal Protection Society, and have photos taken with Santa.

We lucked out this year, with the ceremony landing in a brief respite from a week of heavy rain and high wind. I was especially glad, because this was my first paid assignment from the San Juan Islands Journal, and I didn't want to let them down!

By the way -- in case you're wondering -- no, they don't string all those lights every year. The wires and LED lights are left in place year round but lit only for Christmas season. Don't ask me what happens if the tree grows!

Making ornaments at the Whale Museum. Photo by Aaron Shepard.

The Island Chordsmen Plus, led by Angel Michaels. Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Singers from the Friday Harbor Elementary School Choir. Photo by Aaron Shepard.

More singers from the Friday Harbor Elementary School Choir. Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Friday Harbor's Memorial Park alight for the Island Lights Festival. Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Islanders enjoy the Christmas lights at Memorial Park, as do travelers on the ferry docked behind. Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Noel sign over the restaurant Cask & Schooner, seen through the trees of Memorial Park. Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Sneaking up on the Island Chordsmen Plus. Photo by Aaron Shepard.

San Juan Island photographer extraordinaire Mark Gardner, handling the Santa photo duties at the Brickworks. Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Music making at the Brickworks by Mike Cohen & Co. Photo by Aaron Shepard.

The Animal Shelter's Top Cat makes friends with a young islander. Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Craft tables at the Brickworks, set up by Island Rec. Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Santa isn't just for kids. Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Who is that man? Photo by Aaron Shepard.

2015 Bite of the San Juan Islands

Second Annual Bite of the San Juan Islands. Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Bite of the San Juan Islands is a relatively new yearly event here in Friday Harbor. It lets San Juan Island restaurants and other food vendors offer samples of their wares to community members. These photos come from the Second Annual, which took place on October 25, 2015. Like the First Annual, it was held at the Brickworks, a community center created from a restored brick factory. It was organized by Richard and Sherry Daly of San Juan Island Cheese.

As a photographer, what I loved most about this event were the wonderful faces, especially of the vendors. They showed so much character! You don't see so many faces like this in the chains and franchises of the mainland.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.

Photo by Aaron Shepard.