Introduction:

Most of us are aware, at least in part, of the somewhat harsh realities of the medieval period but seldom remember the great deal of pageantry and romance during the renaissance period. Our members look forward to escaping - if only for a short time - our stress filled, fast paced, technology cumbersome world.

For some of us, nothing is more appealing than the images of a knight in shining armor walking amongst the grounds or riding by on horseback; the sereneness of the forest or gardens with magical and mythical creatures of fairies; Fair maidens and ladies in waiting. Meanwhile, some prefer the darker side of medieval times such as leather clad armored warriors, barbarians, gothic creatures and pirates. Don't forget the gypsy's, drums and various other music of the period or a parade of Royalty with all its color and splendor.

History and Origin:

The Kingdom of Onondaga is a Renaissance Faire Organization currently based in Southwest Louisiana which originated in the Finger Lake Region off the Southeastern shores of Lake Ontario. Then extended to include the Niagara Frontier off the Northeastern Shores of Lake Erie and has finally settled on the Southern shores of the Lake of Charles.

The original vision of the Kingdom of Onondaga was to provide a platform for an active group of participating individuals wanting to share in experiencing this time period and to bring smiles to the faces of men, women and children through the portrayal of historical, factual, fictional or fantasy character personalities in addition to promoting camaraderie, stewardship and good will among like Organizations performing or participating at Renaissance Faires and Festivals. As costumed character personalities we make ourselves accessible to all patrons to help enhance their festival experience.

All in all, throughout my travels I have found that most people just really want a place to feel like they belong and a group to call their own. Whatever your taste in the medieval or renaissance periods, there could be a place for you in our Kingdom . Remembering of course – what happens at festival stays at festival!

Founder and Liege:

Lord Cinaeth Bartoschek hails from families of both Polish and Scottish decent and has been attending and participating in costume at renaissance faire and festivals for over twenty years. Lord Cinaeth has gone through various character personalities and costume developments over the last seventeen years before finally settling on his current character - the Duke of Onondaga and may regularly be found walking the grounds or visiting the local taverns and pubs at: Texas Renaissance Festival's New Market Village; Scarborough Renaissance Festival's Village of Scarborough; Louisiana Renaissance Festival's Village of Albright and the Acadiana Medieval Faire. Having been formally knighted by both his Royal Majesty King Henry VIII and her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth I, additional award and titles have included: Knight of the White Eagle, Captain de Polonia and Queen Margaret of Scotland's former Tournament Champion.

Over the years, interest has been growing as to the origination, history and membership opportunities into the Kingdom of Onondaga. As those faithful to the Kingdom have grown in regular attendance and active participation, it has become necessary to put to pen those rules and ideals on which Kingdom was founded with the full intent that the vision for the Kingdom can be maintained and enjoyed by all.

The material presented herein is a compilation of various resource materials and generally accepted practices that I have found through my research and /or first hand experiences. Once you have learned something about the Kingdom of Onondaga and how we are structured and operate, we would like to know a little about you.

So go forth and build thy character, design thy costume and devices, prepare thy speech, load up thy wagons and make haste to the nearest faire or festival to join us. Send word of your intentions and remember that thine invitation hath been formally extended.

Fare thee well and God speed to you on your journey.

Your Grace and Liege,

Lord Cinaeth Bartoschek

Duke of Onondaga

(Last Updated: 04/07/08)