INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — McKee Botanical Garden’s Sixth Annual Fairy and Pirate Festival will take place on Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., bringing the magical world of fairies, pirates and McKee Botanical Garden together for a fun-filled adventure.
Children will delight in themed activities such as the chance to dance around a maypole, follow a map in search of hidden treasure, make a wish at the wishing bush, and get a fairy manicure. Adding to the festivities will be face painting, temporary tattoos, and bean bag and ring toss games.
Attendees can also visit McKee’s “Gnome Depot,” a one-stop-shop for bark, leaves, shells and other natural materials perfect for building fairy houses. It is said that fairy spirits reside among the trees, flowers, plants, and creatures that live in gardens. The act of building a fairy house is believed to bring good luck as well as help the plants and flowers to grow. Visitors will be able to view a display of fairy houses created by McKee volunteers and staff and then create their own.
“The wonder and inspiration of the Garden will spark a magical curiosity and adventure in children,” said McKee Executive Director Christine Hobart. “Our annual Fairy & Pirate Festival combines fun and fantasy to create a unique and lasting experience for our smallest visitors, bringing them and their families closer to nature and magic of McKee.”
Costumes are encouraged but not required. An assortment of fairy and pirate accessories will be available for purchase at McKee’s on-site Pixie Boutique. Osceola Bistro at the Garden Café will be open at 11 a.m. serving snacks and light lunch fare.
Summer admission rates apply, which are effective May 1. Cost is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $5 for children ages 3-12. Admission is free for McKee members and children under 3.
Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. The Garden is closed on Mondays. For more information, please call (772) 794-0601 or visit www.mckeegarden.org. Advance tickets are available and may be purchased at Garden admissions during regular business hours.
McKee Botanical Garden is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture and enhance a historic garden in a unique tropical setting for the education, enjoyment and enrichment of all. McKee Botanical Garden is located at 350 US Highway 1 in Vero Beach.