This is not an announcement I enjoy making but sometimes change is unpleasant.
We are implementing a rule change which will include explosives under the prohibited items in the General Rules. This will preclude the use of the canon(s) on Main Battlefield.
The matter has been a running source of issues for almost a decade and it was, once again, discussed at length during the November senior staff meeting. All sides of the argument were examined. Many, if not most of us enjoy the canon, and will miss the flavor it brought to the battlefield. Yet, the decision was unanimous. The down sides weighed in favor of this change. The main issue remains the continued negative effects on the health and well being of an unknown number of attendees, including but not limited to PTSD sufferers. CAWS (Cannon Alert Warning System) warns those affected ahead of time that they are going to be traumatized, it doesn’t avoid it. Many have no warning.
The entire Pennsic staff would like to thank the Gunner crew for their service and dedication over the years helping to keep the Dream and the Magic of Pennsic alive.
We sincerely regret any grief this may cause.
Yours in Service, Oscar Goerijs Goriszoon, Pennsic Mayor 53