Canton of Bofharrach
 | |
| Or, a cow statant sable within a laurel wreath vert, a bordure embattled sable. | |
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Founded: | Early 1990s (first mention A.S. XXXII / 1997) |
| Dissolved: | 2014 |
| Baronial Affiliation: | Barony of Unser Hafen |
| Modern location: | Weld County, Colorado (centered in Greeley) |
The Canton of Bofharrach was a canton of Unser Hafen, located mundanely in Greeley, Colorado. Bofharrach was one of the largest cantons in the Outlands geographically, covering nearly all of Weld County. The group was active through the 1990s and 2000s before dissolving in 2014.
Founding
The canton was established in the early 1990s, during the tenure of Titus Claudius Severus and Hancarata Aethnen filia Cuneddae (called Llamrei) as Baron and Baroness of Unser Hafen. It was created to recognize the activity and service of gentles in Greeley and to allow them more autonomy in hosting events. Members of Bofharrach were active both locally and within the barony, with former member Zachariah de Kane going on to serve as King.
Activities and Culture
Many of Bofharrach's members displayed their affiliation with the canton by wearing black and white cow-print attire. The canton also had a significant presence among students at the University of Northern Colorado.
Cattle Raid
Bofharrach was perhaps best known for its signature event, the Cattle Raid, first recorded in the May 1997 edition of Windswept (the Windkeep newsletter). The event featured heavy weapons, fencing, archery, bardic fire, and even equestrian activities. It was hosted in Kersey, Colorado, on private pastureland, with multiple iterations held over the years. Members of the canton were humorously known for wearing cow-print garb and accessories at events, a playful nod to their agricultural surroundings.
At some iterations of Cattle Raid, a playful rivalry between Bofharrach and the Canton of Hawks Hollow was a central theme. In promotional materials from the time, accusations are made that Bofharrach had stolen lands from Hawks Hollow and that they would be striking at Cattle Raid in revenge. The Shire of Windkeep was known to ally with Bofharrach at these events in exchange for dairy-based goods such as cheesecake and ice cream.
Studium Generale
The canton also hosted academic events, including Studium Generale, a large collegium held at the University of Northern Colorado with over 40 classes across diverse tracks such as arts, sciences, combat, and daily life.
Former Officers
[Under Construction]
Later Years
The Canton of Bofharrach dissolved in 2014. Today, students at the University of Northern Colorado interested in the SCA are represented by the household Bears Gate, which continues to foster medieval activities in Greeley.