Retreat+of+All+Fools

With the blessing of Polaris and Aegis (Northshield) and Gold Falcon (Calontir), I would like to invite the Heralds of Northshield and Calontir to come to an informal "Retreat of All Fools" in the Shire of Heraldshill in far northern Calontir on April 6-8th (mostly on the 7th).

The set-up will be similar to the Calontir Heralds' Retreats we've had in the past -- a few informal classes, round table discussions or other heraldic activities, inspired by the annual Letters of MisIntent which should be just coming out for April Fools Day.

Garb is optional.

Bring appropriate bedding for indoor "crash space" or tentage for the big back yard if you're feeling brave about early April weather in northern Calontir. [Depending on plumbers, the house may not have a working shower, but there is running hot water.] A fully restored Frank Lloyd Wright hotel (The Historic Park Inn) is about 10 minutes walk up the street if desired.

For those with allergies, the house has two timid cats, one small hypoallergenic dog, and hardwood floors.

There are some tables and chairs, but if you want to be assured of seating and workspace (and depending on how many people come), bring your favorite portable chair and something like a TV table.

__Tentative schedule__: Friday night - early arrivals for crash space

Saturday  For those with potential non-herald travel companions, the retreat site is next door to a city park with the usual park amenities, plus hiking/biking trails, frisbee golf, Frank Lloyd Wright museum, art museum, etc. all within walking distance. @https://drive.google.com/open?id=1p1_yHwsE_eon2GPGisoh8e2EN6E&usp=sharing
 * 9 am - meet & greet
 * 10 am - coloring Easter eggs/heraldic education round table
 * 11 am - tales from the archivist (aka "what does one find in decades-old heraldic submissions?)
 * noon - sandwich lunch potluck, bonus for heraldic foods
 * 1 pm - heraldic games or Frank Lloyd Wright house tour (just up the street)
 * 2 pm - SCA heraldry wiki
 * 3 pm - letters of misintent
 * 4 pm - OSCAR
 * 5 pm - heraldic games
 * 6 pm - ham/potato/leek soup, sandwiches, potluck, bonus for heraldic foods
 * 7 pm - Quest for the Holy Grail/3D puzzles (Alsace half-timber houses vs. St. Basil's Cathedral)

The address is 718 East State Street, Mason City, IA, 50401

From I-35 North: Follow I-35 into Iowa to exit 197 and turn east (left) onto County Road B20 and go about 10 miles. Turn south (right) onto Hwy 65 and go about 3 miles to downtown Mason City. Turn east (left) onto State Street in downtown Mason City and go about one mile. The house is on the northwest corner on the left side of the street.

From I-35 South: Take exit 190 onto Hwy 27/18. Drive 6.6 miles and take exit 186 onto north Hwy 65. Drive 3.4 miles to downtown Mason City. Turn east (right) onto State Street and go 0.7 miles. The house is on the northwest corner on the left side of the street.

From Hwy 27 (Avenue of the Saints): Take exit 190 and turn north (right) onto Thrush Avenue. Go 2.4 miles and turn west (left) onto Business 18/4th Street SW. Go 2.5 miles and turn north (right) onto Illinois Avenue. Go 3 blocks and turn west (left) onto State Street. Go 0.8 miles and the house is on the northwest corner on the right side of the street.

The house is a white Queen Anne with a tower. There is parking on State Street and a limited amount of off-street parking (two driveways).