Introduction to the Kingdom of Onondaga

Introduction:

Most of us are aware, at least in part, of the somewhat harsh realities of the medieval period but seldom do we remember the great deal of pageantry and romance that existed 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 and fairies; Fair maidens and classic ladies in waiting. Meanwhile, some prefer the darker side of medieval times such as leather clad armored warriors, Vikings, barbarians, gothic creatures and pirates. Don’t forget the gypsy’s, drums and various musical instruments of the period or a royal parade with all its color and splendor.

History and Origin:

The Kingdom of Onondaga is a Renaissance Faire Organization founded by Lord Cinaeth Bartoschek. Our Kingdom first originated in the Finger Lake Region of the country just off the Southeastern shores of Lake Ontario, and then incorporated the Niagara Frontier along the Northeastern Shores of Lake Erie before finally extending south to the shores of the Lake of Sir Charles in what we now call Southwest Louisiana and includes all places therein.

The original vision and objective 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 through our version of “living history”.

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 proudly 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 five years. Lord Cinaeth has gone through many various character personalities and costume evolutions beginning with a squire, through many ranks of Nobility before finally assuming the current role as Sovereign Liege and King of Onondaga. He 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; Four Winds Renaissance Faire; 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 continued to grow 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 had become necessary to put to pen those rules and ideals on which Kingdom was founded with the full intent that the vision and the objectives of the Kingdom could be experienced and enjoyed by all.

The material presented herein is a compilation of various resource materials and generally accepted practices found through my research and /or firsthand experiences. This site should provide you with a comprehensive overview of our Guild, how we are structured, operate and are governed.

Lord Cinaeth

Founder and Sovereign Liege

King of Onondaga

Knight of the White Eagle

Captain de Polonia

Tournament Champion of Scotland