This year Palio was very small compared to previous years. However, considering it was up against fencing champs and another full war event, we still had a decent sized crowd. It was bitterly cold and rainy at night, but that didn’t take away from the run.
I ran the fencing tournament that day, but I was also in charge of the Golden Tongue Bardic competition. This is very near and dear to my heart because it gives folks who were newer performers a chance to shine. The rules are that you can never have won a bardic competition. We had 4 folks competing this year ranging from age 10 to a bit older (We never speak of a ladies age!) These folks do not proclaim themselves Bards. They have had rough experiences and similar to me, had sworn they would never perform again.
They said that -I- inspired them to give it a chance again. I was speechless. I just want folks to have a safe performance space.
When all was done, I chose, not the best or worst performer, I chose someone who moved me. I gifted them the prize and asked them to make me a promise that they would work on their story and tell it to me again sometime within the year.
Meddlings of the Minnesinger 