Rockton’s Second Annual Faerie Festival draws 2,000 to Settlers Park

Bright sunshine and temperatures near 60 degrees provided an enchanting atmosphere for the second annual Faerie Festival in Rockton on Saturday, May 3, 2025. An estimated 2,000 people experienced mystical, mythical, and magical fun in Settlers Park, costumed as faeries, sprites, unicorns and even Tinkerbell, fitting the event's distinctive aura. (Sprites are mythical, water-dwelling creatures, sometimes tricksters.)

Organizing the spectacular event were Christopher and Bridgett Holden of Reverent Henna, Rachel Bixby of Alchemy Wellness, Pam Barnes, Tess Luchini, and a nice number of volunteers.

Musical troubadour Kevin Burns started off the day with soothing acoustic melodies. Peaceful notes rang out from sounding bowls in a fairyland meditation.

Musician David Stocker added to the magic with live music, an interactive performance, and a drum circle. Stocker also led a parade that was full of splendor, with mystical friends, creatures, and smiles..

Festival-goers had the chance to meet and greet the Royal Court, including the May Queen, Faeries, the Green Man, and Mystical Ones. Stunning horses and a mini pony, dressed to match their riders Hailey, Poppy, and Kate, also joined the festivities.

Rockton School District librarian Kelly Baumgartner presented a special story along the Gail Trail, featuring a labyrinth-themed children’s book.

The labyrinth at Settlers Park, inspired by the one at Womanspace, is used for walking meditation to promote relaxation, lower blood pressure, and improve emotional and mental health. A labyrinth is a complicated, irregular network of paths with a clear entrance and exit, unlike a maze, which may have dead ends or tricks. Labyrinths are said to promote contemplation and spiritual transformation.

The labyrinth pattern appears in many ancient cultures throughout the world, as well as the medieval Catholic Church. The 11-circuit design found in Chartres Cathedral in France has gained new popularity in the past 30 years and serves as the model for labyrinths at Womanspace and Settlers Park.

At 1 p.m., attendees participated in the “Walk as One at 1” at the Labyrinth Walk as part of World Labyrinth Day, a global event.

Amelia Morris and Michelle Taormino of Sacred Tree and Inner Prana Yoga led sessions on relaxation techniques.

The German Society of Rockford invited everyone to join in the unique experience of Maypole dancing.

Colorful decorations surrounded the entrance to a Wishing Tree where visitors could plant their wishes.

Astrology and tarot card readings added an extra layer of magic to the day. An exciting Faerie Scavenger Hunt sent visitors on an adventure to uncover clues. Event-themed games, henna tattoos, face painting, faerie wands and crowns, jewelry, flowers, gems, and crystals offered even more opportunities to find magic in the festival. Crafts and bubbles awakened imagination and childlike fun.

The Rockton Lions Club welcomed young guests to jump into a bouncy house, while over 30 vendors offered unique goods for purchase. Food trucks, such as Disco Chicken, served pizza, mac-and-cheese specialties, and beverages.

Co-chair Rachel Bixby shared, "My view of the event is as a very fun and colorful digital detox, and judging by the camaraderie and smiles, it succeeded. Our bodies tune into sensory cues to orient to the environment to judge its relative safety. The senses create a mind map of reality. Over-saturation in fear based media and activities can create anxiety, which is a current epidemic. Body signals which are safe and simple, often found in nature or authentic community, provide a sense of well being."

Bixby continued, "Who do you want to be? Pick a face paint or henna design that moves you. What sort of connection is best for you? Pet a horse. Join the parade, drum circle, yoga class, or an interactive Maypole dance. Try a craft. Chalk draw or jump rope with the group. Need a quieter experience? Walk the labyrinth or the Story Walk book around Settlers Park for a bit more reflection."

As a physical therapist, Bixby says she understands “the correlation between connective tissue in the body and connective tissue of community. As a yoga teacher, I understand the importance of Sangha, or belonging.” As a "somatic experiencing practitioner," Bixby says, “I understand that we can rewrite our stories."

Co-organizer Bridgett Holden said, “We were absolutely thrilled by the overwhelming turnout for the Rockton May Day Faerie Festival's second year. Settlers Park was alive with joy. It was heartwarming to see so many people come together to celebrate the magic of spring in such a whimsical and welcoming way… We’re deeply grateful to everyone who attended, and we can’t wait to do it again.”