Despite looming dark clouds and legions of "friendly flies", the 2nd Annual Woodland Hobbit and Fairy Festival in the Pennsylvania Wilds brought plenty of visitors to Hemlocks Springs Historic Crafts and Cultural Arts Center in Keating Summit on June 13. Turnout was most likely affected somewhat by the current economic situation as well as the predicated weather for the day but overall the festival was a success that built on and expanded many of the activities offered at last year's festival. Well over 100 attendees, most dressed as fairies, hobbits or other woodland fantasy creatures enjoyed music, stories, arts and crafts and much more. "We want the festival to keep growing and really appreciate the suggestions and comments from those who attended. Those suggestions allow us to make changes, upgrades and adjustments to keep the festival improving every year." said organizer Bonnie Wood.
The purpose of the Woodland Hobbit and Fairy Festival is to bring out the artist in each person through exposure to the natural world. Musicians, arts and crafts, a puppet show, storytellers and much more were all prominent features of the 2009 festival all offered in the outdoors. "The Center itself is nestled in a hollow high in the Allegheny Mountains so a natural theme is only, well . . . natural!" commented Wood. "Going Green" was part of this year's festival and a Nature Place tent featured information on how indiviuals can help the environment.
Plans for next year including expanding on the environmental theme as well as introducing more activities and crafts geared toward adults. "One of the suggestions we received this year is to have more activities for adults because we did have adults in attendance without children. We'll be working on organizing adult activities and crafts as we plan for next year's event and appreciate the input from our visitors," said Lori Hansen who handles marketing for the Center.
Finally, Wood offered this word of thanks to all those who helped with the festival. "On behalf of myself and the Fairy Council of Hemlocks Springs Center, I would like to thank all our dedicated volunteers and sponsors for making the second annual festival a success. Without the hard work of our volunteers, the festival absolutely would not be possible. A very special thank you to our volunteers from the ATF (Adult Training Facitily) at Dickinson Mental Health. Your hard work once again added so much to the success of the festival. We also thank all of the festival attendees and hope to see you next year!"
The purpose of the Woodland Hobbit and Fairy Festival is to bring out the artist in each person through exposure to the natural world. Musicians, arts and crafts, a puppet show, storytellers and much more were all prominent features of the 2009 festival all offered in the outdoors. "The Center itself is nestled in a hollow high in the Allegheny Mountains so a natural theme is only, well . . . natural!" commented Wood. "Going Green" was part of this year's festival and a Nature Place tent featured information on how indiviuals can help the environment.
Plans for next year including expanding on the environmental theme as well as introducing more activities and crafts geared toward adults. "One of the suggestions we received this year is to have more activities for adults because we did have adults in attendance without children. We'll be working on organizing adult activities and crafts as we plan for next year's event and appreciate the input from our visitors," said Lori Hansen who handles marketing for the Center.
Finally, Wood offered this word of thanks to all those who helped with the festival. "On behalf of myself and the Fairy Council of Hemlocks Springs Center, I would like to thank all our dedicated volunteers and sponsors for making the second annual festival a success. Without the hard work of our volunteers, the festival absolutely would not be possible. A very special thank you to our volunteers from the ATF (Adult Training Facitily) at Dickinson Mental Health. Your hard work once again added so much to the success of the festival. We also thank all of the festival attendees and hope to see you next year!"