Thousands experienced mystical fun at 2025 Faerie Festival

MARIANNE MUELLER PHOTO The Herald
Pick-A Dilly Antiques was one of over 30 vendors on site at the Faerie Festival.
Bright sunshine and temperatures near the 60’s provided the perfect atmosphere for the second annual Faerie Festival in Rockton on Saturday, May 3. An estimated 2,000 people experienced mystical, mythical and magical fun in Settlers Park.
Faeries and sprites, (a supernatural spirit, a mythical fairy-like creature who lives by the water, sometimes even tricksy, Tinkerbell and unicorns just tap the surface of costumes that fit perfectly with the event’s aura.
Making this spectacular event come to life were organizers 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 soothing acoustic styling started off the day.
Peaceful notes rang out from sounding bowls, complete with fairyland meditation.
Sounds of the talented musician, David Stocker came alive through live music, an interactive performance, and a drum circle
Stocker led a parade that was full of splendor as mystical friends and creatures produced pure fun, and smiles.
All had a chance to Meet and Greet the Royal Court which included the May Queen, Faeries, Green Man and Mystical Ones.
Stunning horses and a mini pony were dressed to match their riders Hailey, Poppy and Kate.
Festival guests joined in the “Walk as One at 1” at the Labyrinth Walk as part of “World Labyrinth Day” which is a global event.
The inspiration for the labyrinth was the one that Womanspace has. It is used for walking meditation to help lower blood pressure, with relaxation, emotional and mental health.
Rockton school district Librarian Kelly Baumgartner presented a special story to listen to along the Gail Trail. A labyrinth themed children’s book will be featured.
A labyrinth is a complicated irregular network of passages or paths, but with a clear entrance and exit. Otherwise it is similar to a maze, which may have tricks and dead ends. Labyrinths are designed to foster 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 is the model for the labyrinths at Womanspace and Settlers Park.
Amelia Morris, and Michelle Taormino of Sacred Tree and Inner Prana Yoda led in learning how to apply relaxation techniques.
The German Society of Rockford invited everyone to take part in the unique experience of May Pole dancing.
Astrology and tarot card readings enlightened the senses in different ways. These are both part of the magical aspect of the fairy world.
An extra awesome adventure happened while visitors searched from clues given during a Faerie Scavenger hunt.
Event themed games brought on smiles and laughter.
Rockton Lions Club welcomed young ones to jump into a bouncy house.
Colorful decorations surrounded the entrance to a Wishing Tree where mental seeds for something a heart wants were planted.
Henna tattoos, face painting, faerie wands and crowns, jewelry and flowers, gems and crystals offered even more options to find magic in the event. Imaginations soared through the creations of crafts. Childlike fun came when playing with bubbles.
Over 30 vendors had one-of-a-kind and useful goods for purchase. Food trucks offered pizza, mac and cheese specialties, Disco Chicken, and beverages.
Co-Chair Rachel Bixbe has donated books and blogs detailing the reasons why the committee planned this event.
Bixbe shares, “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.
The Rockton May Day Faerie Festival provides a sensory spectrum to resource self-expression and connection. 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.
C0-Organizer Bridget 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.
“The park was filled with the smiling faces of people connecting with nature, with each other, and with the enchanting energy of the day. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who attended, and we can’t wait to do it again.”