FARMINGDALE – Local residents experienced their first taste of fairy magic when they awoke to a beautiful sunny day after a long stretch of dreary weather.
Heavy rains forced the Farmingdale Recreation Commission to postpone the initial date for the Fairy Faire and Fairy Trail Lighting. However, unconfirmed reports suggest that a band of fanciful sprites deployed fairy dust to disperse clouds in time for the rescheduled event.
As news of fairy sightings went throughout the area, hundreds headed to the Community Center behind Borough Hall. Visitors couldn’t resist being drawn to the soothing sounds emanating from the melodious strumming of Michele Mountain, a harpist from Hamilton in Mercer County.
The delicate notes of the harp provided the perfect ambiance for those walking into a land of enchantment. Mountain said her selections all fit into the genre of fairy music.
Creative members of the community designed fairy gardens that were strategically placed on display throughout the Fairy Trail. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
“Fairies are very eclectic and like a wide range of music,” said Mountain. “They like everything from folk music to Irish music to Van Morrison and Bette Midler.”
Over time, the folklore surrounding fairies has varied from stories of good fortune to outright mischief. One can only imagine what was the case for one of the best-loved fairy princesses at last week’s event. Waffles, a tan greyhound, wore oversized red fairy wings that dazzled from her spot on the ground.
Waffles and her owners traveled from Central PA to the Fairy Faire, where the pup’s humans set up a tent selling mystical creatures, pottery, and various artwork. The charming canine appeared especially connected to fairy children roaming from vendor to vendor.
“Her teeth are chattering because that’s what greyhounds do when they get excited,” said P.J. Rossini, who confirmed that Waffles only planned to be a fairy for the day. “She loves that the kids are making such a big deal about her.”
The face-painting booth was the most popular attraction at the event, with dozens lining up for a chance to enhance their magical appearances. Many of the children were little girls dressed in flowing lace dresses and shimmering wings, while a couple of boys had large, pointed ears.
Howell resident April Pierce said she decided last minute to join the Fairy Faire as a vendor. Her display of various metaphysical items came with an explanation.
“Most of them are healing crystals,” said Pierce. “A lot of them have healing properties or physical properties that many people believe in.”
Fairy houses, healing crystals, and other kinds of magic were all around. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Pierce picked up a piece of rose quartz, a pink stone that appeared somewhat translucent. The young woman then expounded on the merits of that particular selection.
“This opens up the heart chakra,” Pierce shared. “It’s good for love; it’s good for self-care.”
A prospective customer stopped to ask Pierce for her recommendation on a suitable healing stone for dealing with grief. Pierce quickly made a $2 sale after saying a dark Apache Tears stone would work to dissipate negative energy.
Many of the other vendors were crafters and artists who sold handmade items inspired by fairies and other mystical creatures. The selections included hand-carved wands, jarred fairy gardens, and resin jewelry, all of which could be taken home as magical mementos.
Months of careful planning and preparation went into creating the Fairy Trail, with many community members taking the opportunity to leave their own unique mark. The Farmingdale Fire Department also contributed its personal brand of magic by removing a large tree that had fallen during a recent storm, ensuring the trail would be safe and accessible for all visitors.
Michele Mountain, a harpist from Hamilton in Mercer County, provided the perfect ambiance for those walking in the land of enchantment. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Birdhouses mystically transformed into fairy homes and decorated a trail highlighted by giant red and white mushrooms and colorfully painted rocks. Carefully arranged scenes were strategically positioned to welcome guests into tiny fairy gardens.
Signs posted along the way delivered an assortment of messages, like Maribeth Quin’s quote, “The day I decided my life was magical, there was suddenly magic all around me.”
Healing Crystals. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
As darkness enveloped the evening, the Fairy Trail came to life on another level. Twinkling lights turned on and illuminated the path, filling visitors with awe. It was as if a touch of fairy dust had brought everyone closer to the magic within them.
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