Re-enactors show off skills in battle

While many people were making Thanksgiving preparations or getting a start on their Christmas shopping, more than 500 people gathered in Sparta on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to go to war.

Hundreds of fighters, fencers, archers and throwers participated in the 100 Minutes War at Camp Sacajawea, which also was home to the Sparta Ren Faire earlier in the fall.

The annual event began with a morning court at 9:30 a.m. followed by armored combat, fencing, youth fighting, archery and thrown weapons.

People came from all over to take part, including a group from Canada and another from the Midwest, said Ellie Woodruff, who is one of the squires.

The 100 Minutes War was started 37 years ago by the Society of Creative Anachronism (SCA).

“It was started for the joy of the game and to congregate fellow re-enactors,” Woodruff said.

The SCA is an international, educational organization with thousands of members worldwide. It promotes research and re-creates pre-17th-century culture, skills, arts and combat in various events, demonstrations and other educational activities.

The local branch of the SCA, the Shire of Rusted Woodlands, hosted the 100 Minutes War.

The shire is based in Sparta and has members in Bergen, Passaic and Sussex counties as well as a partnership with the Sparta Ren Faire.

The 100 Minutes War always has been held in this area. In the past few years, it has been held at Camp Sacajawea, Woodruff said.

“It’s a great place to have it held. It’s a gorgeous site and wonderful area. It has enough space for the events like archery and fighting to ensure the safety of everyone,” she said.

Tanaka Raiko has helped run the 100 Minutes War for all but one year. He now shares the duties with members of his shire and proteges.

Raiko has received many awards during the years, including knight and pelican - the highest awards a person can receive for rattan fighting and service to the community.

“It takes a lot of people to make an event this big run, and it wouldn’t without everyone from the folks in the kitchen to the fighters in the field,” Woodruff said.

This year, there were 531 attendees at the event, which is always held on the weekend before Thanksgiving - in rain, snow or sunshine.