Port Republic, MD – On Saturday, Aug. 29 the 149th Calvert County Jousting Tournament was held on the grounds of historic Christ Church in Port Republic. The demonstration and competition was conducted by the Maryland Jousting Tournament Association (MJTA).
Jousting is Maryland’s official state sport. According to the MJTA, “riders compete as novices, amateurs, semi-pros or professionals. The object is to ‘spear,’ from horseback, three rings hung from three successive arches 30 yards apart. Including a 20-yard approach to the first arch, every rider—except in the novice class—must travel the course in nine seconds or less. Each rider makes three charges, seeking a perfect score of 9 rings taken. Rings vary in diameter from 1-3/4 inch to 1/4 inch, with successively smaller sizes used to settle ties.”
The event featured the traditional and much anticipated Parade of Knights and Maids. The Star Spangled Banner was sung by Alice Yoe. The rector of Christ Church, Father Wes Wuebbenhorst, offered an enthusiastic invocation.
The MJTA is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. Subsequent events for this year include the Independence Farm Joust in Port Deposit Saturday, Sept. 12; the Western Maryland Jousting Championship in Jefferson, Saturday, Sept. 12; and exhibition at the Great Frederick Fair, Tuesday, Sept. 22; the St. Mary’s County Fair Joust, Saturday, Sept. 26 in Leonardtown; the Maryland State Championship Joust in Crownsville, Saturday, Oct. 3; and the National Jousting Championship in Brunswick, Saturday, Oct. 10.
In addition to the competitions, the Calvert County Jousting Tournament attendees could traverse the church grounds, visit with vendors, enjoy a church bazaar and country supper, and concerts in the church.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
