Let Your Inner Hippie Out at Fairie Festival

Do you believe in fairies, those miniature human-like creatures with the wings that some folklorists say have gone into hiding?

Well, there is one place, at least this weekend, where all the fairies are coming out at Spoutwood Farms in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania for a magical weekend to celebrate May Day.

May Day, celebrated in ancient times as a Celtic or Pagan Festival marking the end of winter and the emergence of renewed life, has long been associated with Fairies, and has reemerged on the Spoutwood Farm as a festival to celebrate not only these nature spirits but the spirit of nature itself. 

The May Day Fairie Festival has become so popular that over the past 20 years that it boasts almost 16,000 in attendance—the largest gathering of hippies and tree huggers that one might see outside of a Grateful Dead concert. To think, it started off as a party with 100 of the closest friends of Rob and Lucy Wood, owners of the organic Spoutwood Farm.

This part lasts for three days and features performances from folk musicians, story tellers, minstrels and magic that will dot the sprawling farm. Get inspired by the voice of the Green Lady or listen to some alternative neo-folk world rock with Hu Dost. Listen to the ambient music of Mamalam or the English country dance music of Thrir Venstri Foetr — over 20 performers will be entertaining at the festival, many of which will be in full Fairie or Green Man regalia.

It doesn’t stop with the entertainment. Over 70 craft vendors featuring hand-made Fairie inspired art will be displaying their wares for sale. There will also be Fairie crafts and activities for the wee ones that will be at this family friendly event with plenty of food vendors to fortify the feast. Dance around the May Pole or join in the dancing or drumming that takes place spontaneously throughout the festival.

Because this is a celebration to honor nature, those promoting the spirit of nature conservancy and simplicity will be on hand with educational materials concerning the environment, health, animal rescue, natural birth and organic farming. 

While camping on the Spoutwood farm is by invitation only, you can stay at one of the surrounding campgrounds to continue your immersion into nature by living in a tent or cabin for the weekend. Codorus State Park, Indian Rock Campgrounds and Morris Meadow Recreational Farm offer affordable but modest accommodations for the nature enthusiast.

If you want more conventional amenities, like running water, a bed and electricity but, most of the bed and breakfasts are full. The Wingate by Wyndham York, a festival sponsor, offers quests king sized beds, Wi-Fi access and a 32” LCD TV for those who just can’t release their grip on technology.

For a true escape, upgrade to the Honeymoon Package where you can let nature take its course in the privacy of your own luxurious suite, complete with Champagne, chocolates, a $40 gift card to a restaurant and a late check out. 

Get back to nature, sprinkle a little fairie dust and have a magical weekend at the May Day Fairie Festival for a great escape that will be legendary.

• The 20th Annual May Day Fairie Festival (SPOUTWOOD FARM)

Where/When: Spoutwood Farm 4255 Pierceville Rd. Glen Rock, Friday noon - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Why Go: Fairies, gnomes and other magical creatures revive a world long forgotten by the imagination and reacquaint participants with the spirit of nature. 

Cost: Admission is $15 for people over 12, $5 for people 12 and under, and free for those 2 and under.  A three-day pass is available for a reduced price of $30.

• WINGATE BY WYNDHAM YORK (HOTEL)

Where: Arsenal Rd and N. George St, York, PA

Why Go: After dancing all day to all the performers while traipsing around a farm, you may just want to take a shower and sleep in a nice comfortable bed.  

Cost: $129 / room or $169 for the Honey Moon Package. (Price does not include taxes). For reservations call (717) 848 - 2100.