The medieval times of knights in armor, jousting and jesters, and kings and queens seems so long ago. Now anyone can have the opportunity to relive those times by joining a non-profit organization at Sacramento State called the Society for Creative Anachronism.

The SCA is devoted to the study of pre-17th century Western culture with a concentration on the European Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Meetings are held every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Carmichael Park, near the tennis courts. Members are usually dressed in medieval armor and costumes.

Edward Roselle, a member of the SCA for the past 18 years, said that anyone could join the organization.

“People can join the SCA and do numerous things. A member picks his or her own role at the SCA. They can make jewelry, wear costumes, perform court dancing and songs,” Roselle said.

The SCA is open to anyone who is interested in medieval recreation and reenactment. A paid membership is required.

A member receives the Kingdom’s Newsletter and a quarterly journal called Tournaments Illuminated. The Kingdom’s Newsletter provides a list of local groups with names for further contact.

The organization was created in 1968, but initially was introduced at a tournament held in Berkeley, California on May 1, 1966.

The SCA takes the best qualities of the Middle Ages and selectively recreates them in the modern world, according to an introductory guide to the SCA.

The SCA is a non-discriminatory organization and does not promote religion or outside politics. Each kingdom has its own king and queen that are chosen from combat. A member has to learn how to fight to have the appropriate title, king or queen. A fighter is responsible for his or her own armor and weapons.

“Anyone can compete for the title of king or queen. They have to compete in a fighting game and whoever wins will win the title. A king and queen is chosen three times a year,” said Roselle, who has never been a king.

Each kingdom has a body of written law established by the king and queen. All the kingdoms build their laws and customs on a framework called the Corpora. Kingdoms are divided into local and regional chapters called principalities, baronies, provinces, shires, marches, cantons, colleges and ridings. The chapters’ name depends on the size for the membership and the larger division through which the local group reports.

A special event will take place Sept. 29 through Oct.1 at Carmichael Park. A new king and queen will be crowned. Roselle encourages people to come to this event to know more about the SCA and its principles.

Anyone who is interested in further information about the SCA can visit www.sca.org. or call Camber Menschell at (916) 722-3696.