Faerie festival recalls childhood fantasies
Tired of the dull routine of daily life and heavy adult responsibilities? Revisiting childhood may not be so hard after all.
At least that is what Gloria and Dave Yaeger thought when they started South Elgin's World of Faeries Festival in 2005. After years of visits to one of the country's oldest faerie festivals in Glen Rock, Pa., the couple decided to let their dream blossom in Vasa Park.
"We want to make it a nice event for families to come at a reasonable price," said Gloria Yaeger. "Treat the park as your backyard."
This weekend, the wee folk will flock to Fox River again for the sixth anniversary of the festival. Fairy wings and pirate bandannas will dot the booming lawn of the Scandinavian Park.
Don't be surprised to bump into some leafy faces. This year's theme is "Celebration of the Green man: Spirit of the Wild Wood."
"It's appropriate today with the trouble we have with the environment," Gloria Yaeger said.
Family friend Lona Smith has been involved with the festival since its first day. What fascinates her most has always been the children's imaginative outfits.
"It's fun to see kids dressed up, fairies for girls and pirates for boys. Some have horns on their heads," Smith said.
Another main attraction for Smith is the swordfighting performance by a Michigan group Swords of Valour.
Leader of the group Allen Bernstein picked up the hobby at the age of 10. Since then, his life has followed the classic path of knight legends: He not only found his second career through swordfighting, but also his wife, whose father founded "Swords of Valour."
Bernstein said about half of his 30 members will come to the event. For safety purposes, they always take the sword edges off before staging all kinds of medieval combat. Interested kids could learn a trick or two using padded swords, as well.
"We'll also dress up as imps, gargoyles and ogres," he said. "We'll kind of run around, poke people and add some mischievous atmosphere to the festival."
The event will include music from Patchouli, an indie folk duo from Maiden Rock, Wi., and Randy Granger, a New Mexico artist who claims to blend Native American flutes, Pan instruments and world percussion into his vocals.
In addition, visitors can pick their favorite souvenirs. More than 40 vendors will offer a wide range of choices, from fairy figurine to fantasy painting.
Visitors won't want to miss one of the festival's most popular programs, Geoff Adkins' "Bubble Wonders Show." You don't need to be a kid to chase down the sparkling spheres.
As Lona Smith says, "We all have an inner child."
The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7-8 at Vasa Park, on Route 31 in South Elgin. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and free for children 12 and younger. For details, visit theworldoffaeries.com.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>
<p class="News">What: The 6th annual World of Faeries Festival</p>
<p class="News">When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8 </p>
<p class="News">Where: Vasa Park, 35W217 Route 31, South Elgin</p>
<p class="News">Admission: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors; free for children 12 and younger</p>
<p class="News">Details: Call (815) 788-1630</p>