Every now and then, life presents us with the opportunity to embark on a magical adventure, where creativity, friendship, and the wonders of the faerie realm converge. Such was the case when I set off for the Bringing In The May festival, a newer faerie event held in the park at the heart of the charming town of Berkeley Springs, WV. This much needed break allowed me to immerse myself in a world of magic, creativity, and camaraderie.
As the gateway to my working sabbatical, the Hancock Motel provided a charming and comfortable retreat. Nestled above the banks of the historic Potomac river, this classic roadside inn provided the perfect respite after a day of festivities. Although it sits on the Maryland side of the river, it is only a short drive away from downtown Berkeley Springs. Plus, the rooms are still in nearly their original condition - pine paneled walls and all. For a lover of vintage items like myself, it's a great choice and I expect I'll stay there again next year.
As an artist, one of the highlights of the festival was the opportunity to showcase and sell my latest designs. Among my collection, the witch bells proved to be particularly popular. As these are a new addition to my wares, I was pleased that these pieces resonated with festival-goers, capturing their imaginations and allowing them to carry a piece of magic home with them.
Of course, the true beauty of the festival lay in renewing the connections I have forged with my Faerie Family: fellow artists and creatives that I've gotten to know over the past several decades of faerie festival involvement. I had the pleasure of reuniting with the extraordinary steampunk cabaret duo, Frenchy and the Punk, whose performances never fail to energize the audience. My artist friend Lynne Jones, Gallery Director and Curator of The Gallery at Manor Mill, had gotten into the spirit by dressing as a dryad - complete with a bark studded dress, veil, and gloves. I regret not getting a picture before she reverted to her human form so we could catch up on the past year's experiences.
I also had the opportunity to talk with Posie Fairy, who was there with her face-painting booth; as well as Leah and Shane from Mythical Designs: Masks & Miscellanea. Shane often leads a Green Man March at such events, but unfortunately there weren't enough Brothers this time to hold one. And, last but far from least - Bibi Shadowfaerie, the visionary organizer behind this magical gathering, added equal touches of enchantment and mischief to the entire experience. Bibi is responsible for getting me involved in the world of faerie festivals in the first place - but that's a tale for another time.
Although I had plans for some thrifting adventures on my trip back home, this did not turn out quite as I had hoped. Some places were closed, others looked unlikely to hold the kind of things I generally look for - tho I did spot this scary display in a Goodwill! I still managed some escapades, however. After a disappointing swing through Hoke-E-Geez, an antique mall that billed itself a flea market, I did stop at the Big Coffee Pot near Bedford, PA; because who doesn't love a good roadside attraction?
I also took a drive past an address in Etna, PA that was listed on an old family postcard. Unfortunately the house is long gone, but it was interesting to see the area nonetheless. And since I hadn't come up with much on my out of state forays, I decided on a whim that once I was back in NE Ohio, I would pay another visit to the store where I'd found some treasures back in March. I'm glad I did, as once again, it did not disappoint!
While my journey to Bringing In The May was entrancing, life's mundane realities inevitably awaited my return. Family concerns and car issues demanded my attention, pulling me away from the magical realm I had immersed myself in. However, I am grateful for the respite the festival provided - and that the starter on my car waited til I was safely home before conking out!
Undeterred by life's challenges, my daughter and I are embarking on another road trip this coming weekend, this time to southern Ohio. Our intentions are twofold: to visit family gravesites, and to embark on (yet another) thrifting adventure. Although we won't be able to do more than drive past, I also look forward to showing her the house her grandfather grew up in.
As the summer unfolds, my focus will shift to organizing my studio and finding a showcase for the myriad of treasures I have gathered. I had been considering getting a table at one or two of the Beachland Flea Markets; but while I considered, the tables sold out. I do hope to find at least one summer event I can set up at, however. From vintage curiosities to handmade delights, I am eager to pass long some of my stash of eclectic finds and artistic wonders.
For nearly a quarter of a century, I have undertaken a pilgrimage to a faerie festival every single May (but one - 2020, of course). As Mother Earth shrugs off the mantle of winter and begins to unfurl leaf and blossom at every turn, I have managed to get on the road even when things were at their lowest point in my life. Bringing In The May is not just a faerie festival, then; it is a gateway to a realm of enchantment, camaraderie, and artistic expression that I have come to value deeply.
Although life's challenges may have briefly pulled me away, the upcoming road trip and my plans for the summer remind me that there are always new adventures on the horizon. I hope you've enjoyed this recap of my most recent experiences and will check back soon to see what the next chapter holds in store!
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