CharityRackham

..... I stand by the information I have given.

BTW. There's nothing wrong with ANY of the information given here by anyone. Being in a society of interpretation and having to deal with that on many levels in getting permits and permissions for a number of things, the more advice given and gotten, the better. I've dealt with police all over the US and Canada and it is never the same no matter where you are. I am just hoping that there is a enough info that a great decision can be made that suits his needs.

On that note: jendobyns. I re-read your post. Sounds like your friends are along the same line as the Seafair pirates. Might be a good move to connect Beowoulf with them. If they are doing this nice and smooth in Niagara, and the Seattle boys are doing it nice and smooth out here, you may have hit on a source for a constant.

I also doublechecked our paperwork in the files, on presentations and productions.

Bringing weapons, into BC, to use for competition, demonstration, and/or production, must comply to appropriate shipping laws and used only at or for the purpose approved for. If the weapon is traveling it can not travel with any accessories that makes the weapon able to fire. All items of this nature must travel separately. (there is note of a see chart but I don't seem to have the chart. Might be at the shop) Anything that constitutes a weapon must travel out of reach of the driver and any passengers and must be packed so that it is not easily accessible.

Black powder is illegal for possession in BC but can be acquired and used in the province of British Columbia with a fireworks license. (again a note is made for another sheet - Looks like this copy dates back a few years so I may have tossed the additional papers with plans to replace them but haven't yet) The device can only be used for any explosive effect or use and, if required, can only be used with a projectile with the appropriate licensing. Projectiles can include, shot, balls, metal objects, wads, wood, glass and must be appropriate to the weapon or effects item used.

There's a whole book on this. Don't have it but I know it's at the shop and provided by the union. Sounds like both of these groups figured it out. I know Seattle brings their powder with them and technically, according to this, that's not permitted. Could be the RCMP pre licence thing... But they did it... Good on them.

Ok. Have to go to bed. Tomorrow we should find out whether or not the shop is moving and I should readjust my schedule back to normal... ish...

Later! Hope that helps.

Ummm.. Ok?

I used bladed weapons as a comparison between Ontario and BC laws. I am aware of the fact that they are not guns. With those variations you never know what other variations there may be until you talk to the right people. That's all.

I doublechecked back to Beowoulf's original post and I see no mention of whether or not they would be used in an entertainment capacity and since we have all recently helped a member of the pub out on a birthday party plan when he isn't a birthday party planner in the first place, anything is possible. Hence the request for clarification. Who knows. One day a family member may show up and request Beowoulf do something funky at their wedding.

Black powder 'pan' weapons only require the appropriate presentation fireworks permit. Depending on the weapon it does usually require all the paperwork but it is fireable. All of this is available to anyone (entertainment industry or not) but falls under entertainment and show/production paperwork. Even reenactment groups have to go through it.. I've seen the paperwork for reenactment groups here and in Ontario. If they present anywhere there is a serious of 'things' they go through. And it is different from spot to spot... So.. Yeah.. You want to fire it you may have to go through an entertainment path. No biggie.

And re the inquiries of Loyalist Arms. Like Crossbows (yes I know that is a piece of archery equipment not black powder), weapons of this type (black powder) can be sold in Canada (with the right business registration) but still requires certain legal hoops in order to 'use' or 'display'. It is up to the purchaser to make sure all of that is in order. There is a reason Fort York had to cement up some of their cannons even though they were not the ones purchased to fire. I use crossbows as an example as some provinces have it declared as a concealable weapon as many of them can break down and be placed in a coat/bag/etc. In those provinces you can only shoot on a gun rang even though you technically own a bow. Now.. In BC there is a loop hole for bows. If you are on 'your' private property and pointed towards your house you may fire it legally. There is no stipulation for crossbows in this loophole yet in BC you can not bring a crossbow to the archery rang and fire it legally. Your BC Archery Association membership states that they will not cover you on the insurance if you do so as you are breaking the law. BUT you can't stand in front of your house and fire a gun towards it. Hmmmm...

This exists all across this country. The ups and downs. So the only way to do this is make sure you have all possible routes covered and you consider all avenues and then pick the one that suits you. I have worked with many on set/stage/public gigs who forget that a weapon (loaded or not, sheathed or not) is still a weapon. I for one am happy that these laws exist. I'm unhappy that so many of these folks have made it tough for us, but it is set up that if anything stupid happens, we are covered and since, practically every day Martin and/or I are around weapons of many types... Being covered is good.

And... If you look at the gun competitions that happen in Canada, not on a gun range (Aldergrove Fairdays 2008/2009 for example - held in a public park), there are a number of ways to shoot other then a gun range. Hell... The gun freedoms are greater in Abottsford then they are in Vancouver for obvious reasons. Population and property. But you can do it.. You just have to prove to them that you are responsible and are willing to jump through hoops they feel are necessary. When we deal with replicas we follow all the rules, all events know what is on our costumes and we check ahead as to what is permitted under their insurance. Did that back at Fort York in Toronto and did that here at Fort Langley. We may use replica 'cap guns' for our public stuff but we still have to pre show up and pre fire them in the space (volume is the big concern and that the guns are safe) and let the site (or insurance company) inspect them. DId that just a few weeks ago for a gig in February. We still have to use the right caps and keep the guns safe with straps over the gun so it can't be pulled from the holster easily but hey.... These suckers are loud and can cause damage is misused so we have to do what we have to do. We also have to show 'training' with the cast.

The post seriously was only intended as an encouragement to get advice from those affected the most. Those who hold the laws in that area.

Hey.. Here's another idea. Bring a few pictures to the station and ask them if these count. Tell them the photos are of ones on the internet (or wherever) and see what they do. If their eyes go real big, smile politely and say 'Just thinking of getting back into reenacting. Have you had a bad experience with these? Tell me about it..' Lean over the counter, bat your eyes, and see what happens... Actually.. If it is a guy you may want to leave the eye batting out... Just a thought...

If you need me, you can just PM me. If you have Skype all the better. We can chat.

Oh.. AND...

Welcome to Canada. It's not as bad as we make it out to be. It's just a little passive.

And we're sorry. We don't mean to. Honest.

Okay honey... Here we go.

The laws, when applied to firearms (replica and other wise) in Canada vary from province to province, township to township, entertainment to collector to 'user'. There are a number of variations depending on your goals and you local officers.

The info copied and pasted above is what is on the webpage for the public eye but there are a number of 'sub laws' that govern use and location. For us in the film industry all guns that come into the prop shop MUST have a weapons expert (certificate acquired after a gun handling course and a presentation fireworks course) present or they MUST be locked up. The courses are cheap and as a group, even cheaper. If you are interested in that route I'd have to know where you live. Feel free to PM if you need to. First gap I get, I'll see who the local is to you.

We have replicas we use for shows and presentations. They were purchased in the States and have been back and forth many times. They use very loud caps and the caps must be a colour visible from a distance. No one seems to mind. They go 'bang' and as long as we are using them where we are hired to do so, all is fine. But again.. That is dependent on your location. Back in Ontario, while I was working with Paramount, our 'weapons' (swords, batleths, etc.) were not considered weapons unless we drew them. Here in BC they are considered weapons if you swing them. Like Cascabel points out... Laws are not made with much actual knowledge and can be open to interpretation. Canons as a general state do fall under more relaxed laws except for.... Yeah... I know... Except for.. Not words you want to hear.... Except for where someone decides they don't. Some officers will use this little sub law that exists that remarks on the length of the barrel and the width of the barrel and whether or not it is display only in public (cement that baby) or to be fired. Also there are bits about if you have been military in the past or.... You can get the whole book for from the government on this but it will still be open to interpretation. For example: The Seattle Seafair Pirates hold a license from the RCMP which gives them permission to bring 'The Duck' over the border and fire their canons in parades, etc, as long as the parade has the insurance covered. There is also another group here who has permission to fire cannons and guns (with blanks rated for public) under certain conditions as their membership is mostly ex military... Etc and so on...

So...

Step one: Decide what you really need to own right down to what you'd like to own.

Step two: Decide what you are planning to do with it.

Step three: Walk into your local police station/ city hall and have a lovely chat, pick up some suggested paper, bring it home and, if necessary, re decide the above steps.

Step four: If you liked the person who handled you make sure you get their card as you want to return to them for any necessary permits IF necessary. If you don't like that person see if you can go to another location or get a different person. Once you have the right words, remember them, write them down, note who said them, and hang onto it.

Misc and optional step: PM me if you plan on using them for entertainment purposes. Next chance I get I'll go by the shop and see if we have as direct a name as we can get for you, based on where you are.

But really. Don't hate the country. We're trying our best to (snicker) keep peace (snort) amongst the population. Really.

But I have never had a weapons issue in the 33 years I have been in this business and much is pretty messed up so as long as you have documentation and follow whatever law you need to follow, then it's cool.

Later and smile, Darn IT!!

I know it isn't Pirate per say, but many renfests do pirate shows and themed events/weekends...

http://www.okcastle.com/

Of all the renfests on the circuit this one has one of the best reputations. One of our stage performers has done this one in the past and he says they are GREAT!!

Missed it live but thanks for the posting. I'll download it from my iTunes podcasts and give it a listen when I get the chance.

I'm looking forward to it.

Ditto with William.

I do bow to your strength and courage. I noticed you earlier and took a peek at your pics and such. It is nice to see that there are still wonderful people in the world who are willing and able to turn lemons into lemonade, instead of the other way around (although how you make a lemon from lemonade, I don't know but it sounded fine in my head).

You are a rare treasure indeed and I am happy to see you here.

Welcome aboard and may we get the chance to meet in person some day.

Yours, Christina

AKA Captain Charity Ann Rackham

I opened mine today. Looks like Jaded did all right. I see by a previous post that there is to be another part to come. Really? Jaded, honey, should I be watching out for something? Cools and wow. Thank you.

The one bracelet is pretty solid. It's nice. And the little dragonfly is neat. Jade green... Just the right colour. And the fact that the gift includes hand made in the description. Very personal and that's wonderful.

Here's a pic. I'll post anther pic when the 'other' arrives.

Thank you sweetheart. Can't wait to see what part two is.

Now I have another reason to visit Florida. To come and see you.

Later. Martin is waiting for me to go to dinner.

My gift arrived safe and sound. I am happy to see no pirate name on the outside of the envelope (only a real name) so I still don't know who. I got down past the outer two envelopes (and the tape saying that it was inspected) to the inner envelope and gently squeezed it. Feels soft but didn't hear any crunching of wrapping paper so if it is OK by my secret Pirate Santa (that just sounds soooo right) I'll just leave it inside the inner envelope and place that under the tree. I don't want to know until Christmas. If my sender would like me to do something different with it then please tell Duchess and she'll let me know. This way the secret can remain. Okay?

But no fees or charges. I guess on inspection they decided that it was not their focus or it didn't look like I may have bought it from a US company and someone was lying.... Not sure but that was a nice change.

So... to the one who sent it. It arrived just fine but I'm not sharing what it is until I've opened it on Christmas.

I'm actually pretty excited.

Later!

I have done so and you are one talented pirate...

Good luck and let us know how it comes out.

I did pop in under the Youtube of BCRenfest but I hope to find a moment (and a full size computer instead of the iPhone) to pop back in as my personal ID ( carrhunger ) and make a second posting/like. I am sure I am not the only one with more than one ID or some friends we can corrupt... I mean influence.... to do the same.

Good luck man. And if you win.. Drinks on you!!!

Does look warm but also... Well.. Christmas like? And I see you agree. Wearing it in the Christmas parade makes sense.

Do you have a summer outfit too? I think it's humourous when folks have summer and winter garb.

;-)

Nice one, Bright. Thank you.

Well.. How about the rest of you?

Ship turned out nice...

I love the little girl in the dress. What a cutey. Gotta watch those ones... I see her challenging you in the last shot.

;-)

Can't wait to see the video. The adult in me is happy to see the success. The kid in me (aww shucks) is jealous of the munchkins. All that matters in the long run is that all had a grand time and it looks as if they (and you) did.

I do wish more folks took part in their kids parties. Recently we did this mini event out at a winery/bistro and a small group of tikes showed up with two adults. The poor adults seemed overwhelmed. We played as much as we could with them but I do feel sorry for the two adults with a hand full of kids in two mini vans, who had to be with them. They looked drained before they even got out of the cars.

It was very sweet of you to do this and I hope all (including the adults) were satisfied at the end of the day.

Good on yah and BRAVO!!!

Until next time...

Jaded - To Canada? Yes and no. Sometimes it's more a red flag but then again... It's all in the value of the item not the shipping method.

When I send to the States I put the value in the top line (next to item description) and then in the final value NCV (no Commercial Value) and 99% of the time it works well.

To here? Well... The girl on the Canada Post 1-800 # says to gather together any gifts they charged and hit them up for a tax refund once they're together. So I've put some cash near the door (2 more gifts are due to arrive) and I'll do as she sugests. She says, because of the time of year, I'll have a greater chance at a tax refund for gifts if I have a cluster...

Elena - You may post as many as you would like. More the better.

Iron Hand - That video is GREAT!! And it played on my iPhone too.

Come on! Rest of you. Let's see your Season's Greetings!!

Left a note on your profile. Nice work. Will drop in first chance I get.

Gotta dash

TTFN

It does suck but at least someone can send anything to you and it will all be well in time for birthdays for friends and such.

Chin up honey. I am sure the receiver of your item will be happy.

See you all soon.

Brilliant!

Ye may have a grown womanly body, but inside hides the mind of a 6yr old!

(errr, I meant that in a good way)

Could be why hubby and I chose to not have any. Too much competition.

I've been working with the kids for YEARS and I love playing with them, filling them with sugar, winding them up then handing them back...

Sorry.

So... You going to do the same to the lot who added the extra munchkins. Fill them with sugar, wind them up then hand them back? I think I want video of that.

Have fun and I am sure everyone here is now INSANELY curious as to how this one is going to turn out.

Later... That is if you survive.

Just got this last post via my phone so I wanted to reply before it's too late.

The grabbags. Put them in a box/chest and as each kid wins the first game, let them pick. You run the risk of the last kid or two maybe being disappointed but you decrease the chances of a mass disappointment.

Encourage the kids to trade and barter (a common pirate thing as well) for items from the bags.

And the cupcakes... Do you have a dagger? Let the birthday kid cut theirs and then, maybe, cut the others. Make each cut a wish. The whole thing with a couple cutting a cake is to create an additional energy for their wishes. If the birthday kid cuts each kids cupcake they can make a wish together and it will keep the birthday kid busy.

Ok. Gotta go. I have Costco shopping to deal with and hubby is patiently waiting.

Good luck.

Elena. That's less then a pound? Really? Bugger.

Is it like that the rest of the year or only during Christmas rush?

It amazes me how different countries handle their situations.

I called Canada Post on the gift that came for me. This last year has been the only time I've had these issues. They gave me another phone number I can call as, if it is a gift no tax should be charged. I haven't called yet as I'll have to account for hold time and I don't have that right now.

But Canada Post said that anything that is valued $20 or more can be charged duty and HST, no matter what so the sugestion was once more made to me that NCV be put in the value space. I've done that with sending down there as well. She says for the US it's a $35 limit but up to $600 can be claimed depending on what it is. I chuckled as she said 'she thinks'.

I know a lot of you send back and forth to the States. I've been receiving from the US for years and when something is handmade in the US I get a NAFTA filled out. Wish Canada had that but alas. So yeah... I wanted to share that on a whole as I do know a lot of you send stuff back and forth and it looks like things may be changing. I figure it may be move to help get rid of gov debt. We'll have to wait and see.

Gotta dash. Headed out to one day of just hubby and I. Cheap day date but we need a day to us.

TTFN

Note to gift exchange people. The Canadian Government has gone mad with HST (our two taxes combined to make one ridiculous sales tax). They are charging the receiver HST on any items shipped to them. Today I had to pay $42 in order to receive a gift from a friend in the US.

Please, if you haven't sent your gift yet (Gertie is up here as am I - Don't know who else) do not put an actual value on it. NCV is the acceptable value. It means No Commercial Value.

I'm going to have to let the two other friends who are sending me Christmas Gifts that this is so. I'm going to go broke accepting gifts. Darn it!!!

Thanks guys and gals.

I always say... If you can't do better vote for those who can and be proud.

Mister. You grow far sight better facial hair then I could so you have my vote as many times as I can drop in there....

I'm just happy it accepts Canadian voting. Many a contest for friends, associates and the like have blocked me because I'm North of the 49th.

Every year, for the BC Renaissance Festival Ed Appleby (Firstmate Cobbs and http://www.edsrus.com )custom designs our cards. I know we are not the only one as I see plenty of custom cards posted on my Walls (Myspace and Facebook) and sent to me either by email and/or by post. I do love displaying the cards so if it is sent electronically I print it out and it gets put on display.

So I got to thinking. There must be a ton of custom cards here, in this group. Pictures of folks modified to have a greeting on them, an already existing cartoon card that has been sent around or unique cartoon cards that get made but never really spread as far as the artist deserves....

SO! As in my case it is the last point (Ed has grown soo much in his talents and deserves so much credit for doing this for us for so many years) I would like to start this subject and spot, in order to encourage all of you to wide spread share your holiday cards. If you link to them it would be great if they are a good res to be printed out for those of us who love displaying. If they are for sale, make sure we have the link. Supporting our fellow artists is important. For example: Ed's cards for this year can be ordered via cafepress. http://www.cafepress.com/bcrf

I am looking forward to seeing the results of this.

I love this time of year.

So here you go... This year's creative card from Ed:

Links to previous year's cards from Ed.

http://www.bcrenfest...RFxmas094X6.jpg

http://www.bcrenfest...s/BCRF07LOW.jpg

You can see his progression in style.

SEASON'S GREETINGS TO ONE AND ALL.

MAY 2011 TREAT YOU BETTER THEN 2010 DID!!!!!

Hey Nigel. When you get a chance do let me know what's up. Listening to your music once more via:

http://www.reverbnation.com/ironwoodrain

I could think of a few pubs that might work for you.

Hell... If you are doing the sea shanty thing I'd hire you. Acoustic sea shanties in the pub would be nice. But BCRF is still all volunteers and the pub is a tent with a stage (if you look at pubsing videos at: http://www.youtube.com/bcrenfest you'll see what I mean).

<pout>

And everyone is on the same contracts so I not only can't afford exceptions but I can't justify it.

<pout times two>

With so many rumours going around about us and others (PPF and Midsummers and.. Seems to be the year for it - bitter souls) many of us are struggling to rebuild our events.

But... Then again... Our sister renfest in Washington (MIdsummers) starts one weekend after us. If you can 'visit' for us, you can work for them as well. And the California fest and.... A whole new and different audience....

Hmmm... Do let me know. This could prove to be interesting.

Gotta dash

Ah man... That'd be great. To be able to completely decorate the pub with items of choice.... Yeah...

One day we'll have a permanent site and buildings needing to be decorated then I am sooooo going purchase crazy.

You've been warned.

The portion of Burnaby I'm in is literally on the East edge of Vancouver. Very close and convienent to Van., Northshore, Langley, Coquitlam... I really like my location.

Still missing my home city Toronto, but happy I live in a spot easy to get to most of the life here in BC.

You let me know if you need anything. I'll see what I can do. All my finances are set to support the BC Renaissance Festival and the Jade Dragon Crew but things like promo deliveries I can do during my other errands. I'm all for supporting real artists working hard and fair at making a living with their talents so... Honey... Never be afraid to ask. That's why I do what I do.

And besides... You get here we can hang a bit and we'll do the BC thing. One day sushi. The next day fish and chips next to the ocean.