5-22-2024 8:44pm

Photos: Rockton May Day Faerie Festival

The German Society of Rockford demonstrated how to dance at a maypole at the 2024 Rockton May Day Faerie Festival in Settlers Park.

Fairies, sprites and mini unicorns came out in droves to celebrate at Rockton's May Day Faerie Festival, held on Saturday, May 4 at Settlers Park in Rockton.

This first-time event drew people in from Rockford, Woodstock, and local communities.

Rachel Bixby of Alchemy Wellness and Rachel Lynch of Healing Touch Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine teamed up with Christopher and Bridgett Holden of Reverent Henna to organize this event.

Starting everything off was the relaxing sound of singing bowls being played and heard, complete with "fairyland mediation." Sacred Tree and Alchemy Wellness were behind this action.

Sacred Tree and Inner Prana Yoga provided a space for relaxation and reflection.

A colorful and cheerful parade of faeries, sprites, and unicorns rolled down the pathways.

The German Society of Rockford instructed everyone about the unique experience of maypole dancing. After they performed the first dance everyone was invited to give it a try.

Astrology and tarot card readings enlightened the senses in different ways.

A Faerie Passport gave clues to search for a total of eight characters. Puck's wine bar was discovered inside After the Vine.

Young or young at heart tested their skills while playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey.

Rockton Lions Club welcomed young ones to take turns jumping in a bouncy house.

Visitors took pictures at a unicorn pony photo backdrop and other beatifically decorated places.

The very talented musician, David Stocker, captured attention in an enchanting story time and a drum circle in the gazebo.

A visit to a wishing tree was a special spot for visitors to plant a mental seed for something their heart is longing for.

Ponies filled an arena where all could pet them.

Henna tattoos was a popular hot spot as well as face painting.

Crafty minds created faerie wands, crowns, jewelry, gems and crystals.

Floral decor was incorporated into different sections of the festival.

Rows of tents offered one of a kind and useful goods in over 25 vendor booths. Everything from foods to books, custom drinking glasses, jewelry and clothing were on site. Local businesses The Gem Shop & Diamond Source and Truly Treasured took part in the action.

The Mix and Simply Sweet had sweet treats to choose from.

Event organizers weighed in on the festival:

“We are absolutely touched at how well this event was received by the community with the overwhelming turnout and the incredible energy that filled the air throughout Settlers Park,” co-organizer Bridgett Holden said.

Holden adds, “This event was a celebration of creativity, imagination and community, it was exactly what we envisioned, family and friends enjoying the park, and being magical together. Everything really came to life that day! We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in making this years festival truly magical!”

Co-organizer Rachel Bixby said, “My heart is full to bursting to have witnessed the joy unfolding between family members, townsfolk, and regional neighbors during the 2024 May Day Faerie Festival. To the north, south, east and west, Settlers Park harbored connections to nature, cycles, rhythms, mystery and to each other.”

Sherrie O'Day, who came with her daughter Kiara, said, “There was so much beautiful jewelry, and great music. The henna line was extremely long but the work they do is amazing!... There needs to be more food trucks and beverages of all kinds.... We loved it and would love to see it become an annual event and to see it continue to grow.”