How to go
What: “Fairy Exciting Event,” Enchanted Fairy Trail
Where: Wayne County Tourism Bureau, 5701 National Road East, Richmond, Ind.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Cost: Free
More info: (800) 828-8414 or www.visitrichmond.org
When one of your favorite movie characters is TinkerBell from Peter Pan, a Fairy Tour is going to be at the top of your must-do list of fun activities. Four-year-old Maggie Lambert is one of the lucky little girls who has searched for all of the hiding places where imaginary fairies dwell in Richmond, Ind.
Next Saturday the Wayne County Convention and Tourism Bureau invites kids of all ages to put on their best fairy costumes and enjoy an enchanted day full of exciting discoveries.
Richmond is about 50 miles west and slightly north of Dayton.
“My daughter is all girl, so everything in our house looks like it’s made for a princess. I had told her what we were going to do, and she was very excited about it,” said Carrie Lambert, who drove one hour from Indianapolis in mid-September. “The trail was brand-spanking new; the brochures had just been printed up. We spent the whole day looking for the hidden fairy spots.”
They had plenty of places to discover, as the Enchanted Fairy Trail boasts nearly 40 fairy “settlements” throughout Wayne County. Most of these are located in Richmond’s Historic Depot District and on Main Street.
“My mom had given Maggie a book about tea parties, and it came with miniature tableware set. I had read that the kids could leave a few things behind for the fairies at some of the places, so she took all of the itty-bitty pieces of silverware from the set for the fairy houses and the fairy gardens,” Lambert said.
The Enchanted Fairy Trail has been a big hit since its launch in late August. The numerous small dwellings provide a glimpse into the mystical world of fairies.
Peeking through some windows, you may spot a fairy bed, kitchen or perhaps even a fairy itself. With a colorful array of materials, the search for tiny fairy doors, homes and gardens give families an exciting chance to explore the Richmond community in a unique way.
As Lambert noticed, children can leave small gifts or write letters at some of the locations. This allows direct “interaction” with the fairies and brings added joy for the kids. Some locations provide a little sticker or a treat for the fairy hunters. Each location will have activities, some of which are face painting, fairy dust tattoos, crafts, snacks, games and fairy necklaces.
“We had our little map, and we made it into a little game. You have to walk around and spot the little houses and she would leave a fork here, and a spoon there,” Lambert said. “Many locations were decorated like the establishment. At a church, there was a tiny stained glass door, which was very cool.”
People arriving for the tour should stop by The Old National Welcome Center first to pick up a brochure, a Fairy Trail bag, participate in a fairy costume contest and enjoy fairy-themed snacks. Perhaps you may want to purchase wings, a crown or a magic wand for your adventurer. The first fairy hiding place is not very far away.
“We had such a fun time. While we were there, we spent some time at the Joseph Moore Museum,” Lambert said. “Veach’s Toy Store is on Main Street, so obviously had to spend time there, too.”
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