AGENDA OF THE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Every day of the Festival week there will be opportunities to view and/or participate in some application of the scythe. Such an approach assures that all those who can attend for a limited period will still have a chance to take an active part ~ either to demonstrate, to teach, to learn or to join in the competitive events.

Separated into categories, the activities are as follows:

1. Ethnological documentation of traditional haymaking methods
2. Demonstrations and courses in scythe use and maintenance
3. Competitions

   1. The traditional haymaking styles will be demonstrated on 8m x 16m plots. This is not a competition; the mowing should proceed at a "normal" (i.e. usual working) speed. Only one group representing each country/region will mow at any given time so that the documenting team can focus on all details of the work performed. Once the plot is mown and the grass spread for drying, another group can start. Subsequently, at pre-arranged intervals (depending on weather and forage conditions) the follow-up steps — periodic raking, turning and stacking by the traditional methods — will also be documented.

   2. At least several hours of each day, mowing and blade maintenance will be demonstrated to visitors. Additionally, assistance will be offered to those wishing to try out the scythe or purchase one.*(see note) At specific times from Monday through Friday, periods of focused teaching for the benefit of the public will be scheduled. (A detailed program will be available at a later date.)

   3. Numerous scythe-related competitions take place each mowing season in various countries ~ and their popularity is growing! They vary in format from one hour long matches among the Basques to the sprint-like disciplines of the Alpine regions. The yearly International Championships also feature the "ultimate in speed" format.
   
   Blade peening competitions are far less common; we are presently aware only of some Swiss and German events which include them. (If you know of others, please let us know!)
   
   At this Festival we are introducing two other variations to the family of competitive mowing events: a three hour long "marathon" and an obstacle course (4m x 4m plot containing several small "trees") because they both more truly simulate the past (and future!) practical application of the scythe. There will be opportunities to take part in these as well as blade peening from Monday through Friday.

   SATURDAY:
   
   The most festive day of the week will begin with the "Umzug" (parade) and continue with entertainments throughout the day. However, between 10:00 and 16:00 the Austrian "Landjungend" (farm youth group) will organize competitive events with a focus on the speed mowing they are accustomed to (100m2 for men and 50m2 for women) with separate classes for the common "farm-size" blades up to 90cm as well as the open class where most mowers use 120cm blades or even longer. Demonstrations by teams of 4 mowers each, design mowing and scythe-related skits and tricks will round off the variety.

   SUNDAY:
   
   The week's coup de grace is the First International hand Mowing Party which symbolizes the philosophical underpinnings of this Festival. The official program will conclude with a lunch of "Brotsuppe" (bread soup) served to the participants in the field.

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   Note: Scythes and related equipment will not be sold by representatives of any manufacturers/dealers but rather by qualified persons designated by the Symposium and Festival organizers. Proceeds from these sales will be directed to a fund dedicated to furthering the use of the scythe worldwide.

   Posted 11 May, 2004