The Harp twins and Volfgang twins perform during the third annual Faeries of the Forest Saturday at Vasa Park in South Elgin. Pictured are Drømil Volfgang, from left, Camille Kitt, Kennerly Kitt, and Drømal Volfgang. (Brian Hill/Daily Herald)
The vibrant sounds of electric harps from the Harp twins and Viking drums from the Volfgang twins filled the Faerie realm at Vasa Park in South Elgin during Saturday’s third annual Faeries of the Forest Festival.
Festivalgoers had stepped into a world where fantasy becomes reality and the mystical creatures of the forest come to life.
The festival has taken up the mantle of the World of Faeries Festival, which successfully ran for 19 years and ended in 2023.
“A small band of fans, who now make up the board, recognized the value of and the need for whimsy and staged the first fest in 2024,” festival board President Valerie Notarnicola said.
“We were running it on hopes and dreams at that point, just hoping it didn’t crash and burn,” she said. “Three years later, we are fully staffed with board members and we have at least 20 volunteers for our kids’ classes and on-the-ground volunteers.”
The Faeries of the Forest Festival is a celebration of all things whimsical, designed to captivate the imaginations of both young and old. With music, entertainment, vendors, food, and interactive free activities, there’s much to explore.
The Courtesan and the Cabin Boy perform during the third annual Faeries of the Forest Festival Saturday at Vasa Park in South Elgin. Playing the flute is Red Lady Sofia, left, and singing is Belle Weathers with the fire sticks. (Brian Hill/Daily Herald)
“I get to walk around and be a Faerie all day? How awesome is that?” said Allison Mack of Palatine who was volunteering at the third annual Faeries of the Forest Festival Saturday at Vasa Park in South Elgin. (Brian Hill/Daily Herald)
Siren Beatrix of Windy City Mermaids sits in a pool surrounded by bubbles and entertains children during the third annual Faeries of the Forest Festival Saturday at Vasa Park in South Elgin. (Brian Hill/Daily Herald)
Eduardo “Captain Questor” Questell of Aurora mingles in the market as he hands out cards for the Fox Valley Steampunk Festival Saturday during the third annual Faeries of the Forest at Vasa Park in South Elgin. (Brian Hill/Daily Herald)
People enter the Woodland Market Saturday during the third annual Faeries of the Forest Festival at Vasa Park in South Elgin. (Brian Hill/Daily Herald)