Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

About the Event

• What is Market Day at Birka?
Market Day at Birka is an annual event sponsored by the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. It is primarily a showcase for our Merchants, but it also offers indoor heavy list and fencing tournaments, as well as classes and other activities. More detailed information can be found by visiting the main website at www.birka.org.

• What is the date of the event?
The event will be held on Friday and Saturday, January 27 - 28, 2012.

• What hours is the event open to the public?
The Event is open from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Friday, January 27. The Event reopens at 8:00 am on Saturday, January 28, and stays open until 11:00 pm that evening. Please see the Schedule of Events at Schedule.php for more details.

• Where is the event being held?
The event will be held at the Center of New Hampshire Radisson Hotel and Expo Center in Manchester, NH. For more details about the facility, visit our local information page.

• What are the site fees?
Everyone attending the event must pay a site fee.
The Registration fees prior to the event (received by the January 6, 2012 deadline) are as follows:
Adults: $10 SCA Members with proof of membership
$15 Non-Members
Youths (ages 13-17): $5
Children (under 13): Free

Registration fees on the day of the event (including Friday night check-in) are:

Adults: $12 SCA Members with proof of membership
$17 Non-Members
Youths (ages 13-17): $5
Children (under 13): Free

Everyone needs to visit check-in and either show a BLUE SCA membership card, which indicates that they already have a signed waiver on file, or sign the standard SCA site waiver which is required of everyone on site. If you cannot produce a membership card, or only have a white card, you will be required to sign a waiver or you will not be admitted to the event.

• I'm from Canada. Do I need to get a money order in US funds?
Due to the work and high bank fees involved in handling payments in foreign currencies, we frequently make exceptions to our policy of requiring advance payment in the case of our Canadian neighbors. If making payments in US funds is difficult for you, please contact the Gate Coordinator (exchequer@birka.org) to request an exception. Please be aware that under no circumstances will we be accepting Canadian currency.

• I want to attend the event without merchanting.
You are more than welcome to do so. Please continue reading these Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Event itself. If you want to attend as a Merchant, please refer to the Merchant Specific Frequently Asked Questions.

• This will be my first SCA event. What do I need to know?
While, we can't give you a full introduction to the SCA here, do be aware that you will be required to wear an attempt at pre-17th century clothing. Loaner outfits are available at the Gold Key. For a good overview of the SCA, check out the website: SCA Demo. We suggest you read those, and if you still have questions, then contact the Chatelaine for the local area, who would be more than happy to help you, at Chatelaine@barony-of-stonemarche.org.

• How many people attend Market Day at Birka?
It is difficult to predict attendance in advance. However, last year's attendance was about 1,600 adults, and we're expecting a similar turn out this year.

• Is crash space available?
No.

• How can I find a nearby hotel?
Please visit our local information page which has information on reserving rooms at the Radisson and other local hotels. For the past several years we have sold out the Radisson by late Fall of the prior year, and the Hilton by the end of December; therefore, we suggest that you make reservations as soon as possible

• Where do I park?
There is a parking garage attached to the Radisson. We have negotiated a validated parking rate, which can be validated by the hotel staff at the Main Desk. Please note that this garage can't accommodate large trucks, or vehicles with trailers.