Lakefield Fairy and Dragon Festival grows to two days

LAKEFIELD -- The Lakefield Fairy and Dragon Festival will be returning for its fourth year.

For the first time, the annual costume event will be a two-day event held on June 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and June 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The first day of the event will take place at Cenotaph Park.

The second day will take place at Isabel Morris Park.

Tickets will cost $10 for adults and $5 for children over six years.

Children under six are free.

"Costumes are optional, but we have amazing costume prizes,” event organizer Mary McGillis of Celtic Connection stated in a release.

McGillis originated the event as a fun, interactive way to bring attention to the Celtic culture.

The festival features a variety of entertainment relating to the culture including sword fights, fairies, princesses and music.

Steven Kenzora, a local chainsaw carver and power sculpture, will be creating a fairy and dragon wishing well for the event.

Lumberjack John Foreman will perform a broad-axe demonstration, in addition to building a bench for Lakefield.

Entertainment will kick off with the Blades of Glory sword fighting knights at 11 a.m., who will play again at 1 and 2:30 p.m.

After each Blades of Glory 20-minute sword fight, princesses from Princess Parties Princesses will create a conga line, asking the audience to join in for a dance around the park.

The Kawartha Music Company will also perform a 30-minute set starting at 1:30 p.m.

Children’s activities include cookie decorating, face painting, henna tattoos and games.

Additionally, more than 20 vendors will be set up selling wares such as jewellery, baked goods and art.

Festival-goers can also walk the Lakefield Fairy and Dragon Trail. It showcases more than 20 tiny doors designed by local artisans that are located on building facades around the village.

To be entered into a monthly draw to win a fairy or dragon door, those who walk the trail can download a ballot at celticconnection.ca or visit the information booth at the festival site.

In order to raise money for entertainers performing at the event, there will be a draw for a magical fairy garden planter created and designed by Griffin's Greenhouses.

Ticket proceeds will also be given to the entertainers.

McGill says the purpose of the event isn’t to make money.

“We have a lot of festivals in the area that are for drinking and eating,” she said.

“The purpose of the event is to have a festival that is a happy, family day event.”

NOTE: For more information visit the event’s Facebook page at Lake field Fairy and Dragon Trail or visit www.celticconnection.ca.