VERO BEACH — On Saturday, April 9, from noon to 3:30 p.m., the gates to the fairy realm will open at McKee Botanical Garden for its first Fairy Festival. The event will feature the chance to build a fairy house, an array of fairy-themed games, a costume contest, big-screen movie, performance by the Vero Classical Ballet and more. General admission applies.
“Gardens have always been a favorite haunt of fairies and gnomes, and McKee is no exception,” explained Executive Director Christine Hobart. “We thought this was a wonderful opportunity to introduce their magic to local families.”
The main attraction of the Fairy Festival will be the chance to build fairy houses, which are small constructs made of natural materials to tempt passing fairies. Visitors can view example houses built by McKee members and volunteers, then stop at the on-site “Gnome Depot” to select materials to build their own structures.
Other activities include a big-screen movie at noon in the Education Building, a costume contest for wee pixies aged 12 and under at 2:30 p.m., excerpts from Sleeping Beauty performed by the Vero Classical Ballet at 3 p.m. and ongoing fairy ring toss, wishing bush, wand decorating, fairy manicures, scavenger hunt, face painting and more. Additionally, a maypole will be erected in the Greeting Area.
Fairy treats will be available for purchase from the Garden Café, featuring Elizabeth D. Kennedy & Co., and fairy furniture and garden accessories from Rock City Gardens also will be for sale.
McKee Botanical Garden’s Fairy Festival is supported by its “Tooth Fairy Sponsors,” Legler Orthodontics and Seaside Smiles.
McKee Botanical Garden is located at 350 US Highway 1 in Vero Beach. General admission fees are $9 adults, $8 seniors and $5 children ages 3 to 12. Admission is free for members and children under 3.
Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 772-794-0601 or visit www.mckeegarden.org.