“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

So here’s a nice fantasy: sharing your love of The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy with like-minded fans… while enjoying Second Breakfast…and reading a favorite LOTR chapter aloud…all while dressed as a hobbit or elf!

If that’s a picture that lights up your thoughts, check your calendar for Saturday, Sept. 28. On that date, Anselm Society stalwarts Athena and Jon Williams are organizing a one-day marathon showing of the theatrical releases of the The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.

That’s six hours and 58 minutes of Middle Earth!

The event, which will be limited to 12 lucky LOTR fans, will be held at the home of Greg & Abby Trowbridge at 32 Pineview Street, Palmer Lake, CO 80133. 

The films will start promptly at 9 a.m. (so arrive by 8:45 a.m.—and come hungry—see below) and will be shown sequentially with one-hour breaks in between. The Trowbridge home is in a peaceful, forested area, the kind of woods hobbits love and perfect for Anselmites to stretch their legs between films. 

The film showings will be accompanied by LOTR-inspired meals, seven to be precise, since that’s how many meals hobbits eat daily. 

Here’s the schedule:

8:45 a.m. Guests arrive hungry! Costumes welcomed but optional!

9 a.m. The Fellowship of the Ring (starts promptly)

(During the film: Breakfast and Second Breakfast will be served. Pace yourself!)

Noon At the conclusion of Fellowship, an hour break. 

(Time to walk in the woods—maybe an Ent cousin can be found?—or discuss the film or share a favorite LOTR passage.)

1 p.m. The Two Towers 

(Luncheon and afternoon tea will be served.)

4 p.m. At the conclusion of Two Towers, an hour break.

(Explore the woods again, or doublecheck that key passage Peter Jackson left out of the film…)

5 p.m. The Return of the King

(Dinner and Supper will be served!)

The venue can accommodate a fellowship of 12 Tolkienites.* 

To reserve your spot at the table, purchase your tickets today!

Athena asks that would-be filmgoers with dietary concerns email her at athena@anselmsociety.org. While provision can’t be made for special diets, she will let you know what’s on the menu so you can make your own arrangements.

The menu will include ale and wine; there will be non-alcoholic options as well.

*If you’d like to attend part but not all of the marathon, email Athena at athena@anselmsociety.org. She will see what arrangements can be made. (Since attendees are limited, priority must be given to the marathoners.)

RECAPPING:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 28
Time: 8:45 a.m.
Where: 32 Pineview Street, Palmer Lake, CO 80133

Tickets: Purchase here (link)

Inspire and amaze your friends with your costume! And your appetite!

Info: athena@anselmsociety.org