Magic, music, bubbles and tea time delight visitors to World of Faeries Festival

Vasa Park in South Elgin was alive with faeries, wizards and all things magical Saturday as the 16th World of Faeries Festival took over the riverside park.

The music of Nazario Chickpeazio of Milwaukee played in the background as children sporting wings and costumes chased bubbles in the shade of giant oak trees.

The annual event includes music, merchants, food, faerie tea times, crafts, sword fights and more.

Decked out with long pointed ears, a pink dress and matching pink wings, Tina "Titania" McPherson came all the way from Jefferson, Iowa, to be a part of the festival.

"I get to play with bubbles," said McPherson, "I am really a child at heart."

A short distance away, sitting on a giant inflatable shell, Alanna "Merbubbles" Turner of Chicago Ridge read to a group children from her first book, "The Mermaid and the Star."

Turner, who was dressed - to the delight of the young faeries - in a light blue dress with light pink hair, is hoping to find a publisher for her work.

"This is such a great event," Turner said, "to be able to express your feelings and share your ideas with others."

Seeing families spending time together brought a smile to David Yaeger, one of the organizers of the festival.

"One of our themes is: We grow happiness," Yaeger said.

The festival continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. rain or shine.

Admission is $15 at the gate or $13 prepaid via the website, theworldoffaeries.com.

Parking is free.