This just in, there are faeries in New York! So, okay, this is not big news to those in the know, but this year was my first time entering the Realm of Faerie through this new portal in New York, and what a wondrous visit it was. I am referencing of course the fantabulous New York Faerie Fest in Ouaquaga, New York that just took place June 25, 26 and 27. Since I was vending I arrived a few days early on Wednesday to set up, and the first thing I was struck by was the immense and lush beauty of the land, wild and wonderful with a luscious creek bordering one side of the main thoroughfare. When I first arrived only a few vendors were there but I was pleased to have some company in setting up. Johanna Dun-Jones of Moresca and Renae Taylor, artist extraordinaire were setting up across the way from me. Later we were to be joined by other fabulous neighbors like Robert and Rebecca Turk of Goblin Road, Shane and Leah Odom from Mythical Masks, fabulous artist and illustrator Jane Starr Weills, Laura and Ariana of Hooping Harmony, Danny Hansen of The Crafty Celts, Cynthia Beatty of Magic Moonshadows, Donovan from Wing and Talon Leatherworks, Beth and Zeeb of Feywood, and of course the fabulous people behind the jewelery of Future Relics Glenn Herbert, Billy Bardo, and Marianne Bauer to name a few of the Good Neighbors there. Now for those of you who don’t know, it is the wonderful artisans of Future Relics that put on this lovely shin dig. One of the things that makes this festival so special is that it is held on privately owned land that is carefully cared for and maintained, the future growth of this festival is limited only by their imaginations, which seem to know no bounds. If you were not able to make it out this year, make it a point to travel there next year. It was wonderful to have another East Coast faerie gathering to reconnect with all my fae tribe. As always it was a pleasure to see some of the folks from the Maryland Faerie Fest, among them were the visiting royalty: King and Queen of the Unseelie Court at Maryland, Jamie Schoonover and James Peddicord. The Amazing Trinket and the Pretty Juggler Noelle were also visiting along with Hunter and Dave, I seem to be running into these guys at every fest this year, so far we were all at Wicked Faire, RenCon, Spoutwood and Maryland Faerie Fest before crossing paths again at the New York Faerie Fest. Other wandering performers included the multi-talented Joshua Safford, Wedji Tucheeks, and of course everyone’s favorite blue goblin Krii, who gave birth at the festival to an adorable blue goblin (from Goblin Road) Certainly there was no shortage of magical and wonderful creatures here, and beautiful masks, artwork, and clothing abounded.
The land is inherently beautiful, and communing with fae and magical folk for the entire fest really did make it feel like you were in another realm. Camping on site brings this festival experience to a whole other level, just make sure to watch out for Trolls. Traveling down wooded paths as the volume of drum beats grows increasingly louder, under a fallen tree I pass into the magical realm of night time mischief, near where stone circles and a labyrinth is laid, a bonfire is blazing, dancers sway and turn, circling as the flames grow ever higher. Songs and chants and spoken word join the midnight cacophony, and under the current of it all, that wild fae energy is pulsing.
Music to transport the visitor to the Faerie Realm abounded here, and one could move to the pure energy that is Teribus, a Celtic Bagpipe and Drum quartet that one cannot help but want to dance to. The pure voice and enchanting songs of Jenna Greene rang through the faire, as did the lovely melodies of Faerie Goddess Elaine Silver. Incus was another crowd pleaser, and the belly dancers performing for them from Vadalna Tribal Dance Company were phenomenal. Originally the enchanting and ethereal singer Wendy Rule was supposed to be performing there as well, but unfortunately was unable to attend due to visa issues, in a message to me she wrote “Unfortunately I won’t be there this weekend. I’m so sad about this – it was going to be the highlight of my tour. Please send my love to everyone there, and if you see Billy, please give him a big hug from me. I’ll try to be there next year!” So let’s keep our fingers crossed for next year. Thank you to Billy, Glenn, and Marianne for making such a portal into the magical realm, I look forward to dancing through it again next year.
