Body armour, swords, kings and queens in flowing gowns? Can this be northern BC? You too can join a make-believe world of Renaissance Europe in the 1600s, close to home.

Introducing the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA). According to the dictionary, the word anachronism means "...something placed or occurring out of its proper time."

As that was no help, I telephoned Michelle Blackthorn, who quickly showed me an incredible world of make-believe right here in Smithers.

The SCA is an international non-profit organization interested in re-enacting the days and lifestyles of pre-17th-century Europe, in other words, the Medieval or Middle-Age era. There are 18 "kingdoms" across the world, and over 30,000 members who dress in period clothing and attend events that feature tournaments, arts exhibits, workshops, dancing and feasting all patterned after the days of yore.

Each kingdom has a king and queen and is made up of principalities (like provinces). Canada has 5 kingdoms, with all of Western Canada named the Kingdom of An Tir.