Rhiassa Presents: Queen of Hearts XXIX

Hello all,

In the wake of an extremely successful and uplifting Queen of Hearts this past weekend I am endlessly grateful towards many, many people. After a very large number of years of running Queen of Hearts events of many shapes and sizes, this one will forever bring up some of the most positive memories of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and community. I was honored to be a part of it and the countless little memories across the weekend that made it truly special.

Jen, Lani, and I would like to take a moment to express our thanks to the individuals who helped make this event one that will live on in the hearts of its attendees for a long, long time. 

First to the many people who arrived on Thursday and Friday to help to empty and organize the shed and to set up all the war maneuvers around the site, thank you to Nataliya K, Steve Y, Kyle Y, Tucker N, Paul T, Nick Q, Alyssa L, Steve N, Ryan W, and Jerry P.

Next to the many marshals and other members of the staff that made the weekend run so seamlessly Saturday and Sunday, thank you to Tucker N, Jason G, Kyle Y, Steve Y, Paul T, Nick Q, Alyssa L, Ben P, Pi F, Jax H, Katie K, Ben H, Jerry P, Jen G, Sara J, Emily M, Becky B, and John R. 

I especially want to say thank you to the whole nation of Ashenmark who, a year ago, committed to being staff for this year’s event and lending their inspiration and ideas to enhance the event then committed wholly to making sure that everything was expertly run from the moment the first horn was sounded until the very end of cleanup.

Lastly, I will be forever grateful to Team Magnolia and Team Grebinar who both approached Queen of Hearts this year with among the absolute best attitudes and intentions I have ever witnessed. All of the members of both teams conducted themselves with grace and honor without fail, demonstrated true love for their teammates and opponents alike in the effort they gave and the cheering they did, and reminded all of us what Queen of Hearts is at its very best. A celebration of all of us.

I ended this year’s Queen of Hearts more energized than perhaps I can ever remember. That’s no small feat and it did not happen by accident. With an amazing staff that gave everything they had and a spectacular set of competitors that elevated everything before them with their passion and their effort. This was a weekend I will always remember when I try to recall the best of what Queen of Hearts can be.

We’re looking forward to next year’s 30th anniversary more than ever. I hope you are too.

In service,
Jason, Jen, and Lani