Tuesday, July 9, 2019

FantasyWood Festival 2019

The FantasyWood Festival is a celebration of all sorts of fantasy. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume or learn how to create a costume at the festival. We didn't dress up but saw some tall people in the parking lot who were part of the festival.

Walking in from parking, naturally their longer legs made them faster

As we walked in, we saw several princesses who were happy for photo ops. My children were shy at first but got more into the spirit as we continued on.

The first princess and someone else's kid

My son and a pink princess

My daughter with a rain-ready princess

We saw a unicorn/pegasus hybrid. The line for petting was a little long so we decided to move along and come back later. Unfortunately, we forgot to come back later!

The horn looks less impressive when it's pointed right at you

We met the king of the gnomes who told us about some things to do in the area. He also had a pet who could tell if children were good or not.

Gnome and friend

The pet gave my daughter a hug and then licked her! He made a big deal that she tasted bad.

Getting licked!

The gnome said that it was a sign she was a good girl, because we all know what tastes bad is good for us!

We visited the medieval combat area where the guy showed off his various weapons. My daughter was quick to grab a sword and he was impressed with her skills. She had taken fencing lessons before.

Caught off guard with her en garde

Posing together

Down near the Chrysalis we saw a dragon who was smoking but not belching fire.

Dragon

The witches cauldrons were ready to make some lunch, but the only thing left on the menu (we came on Monday of the Saturday to Monday festival) was children.

Cauldron

The witches keep fresh supplies in a nearby cage.

Lured with candy to their doom!

It is better to lick than to be licked

Near the stage was a Hobbit house that was too small even for the four-year old to make it in without ducking.

A fun little house

My daughter is taller than the house!

The main stage had many pay-for-play events, including a Tardis that cost five dollars per person to get a photo. Our group was six, so we did not want to pay that much. We did find a mysterious statue that would occasionally move. Mom had gone to the bathroom, so by the time she caught up with us she didn't know the statue could move.

A living statue?

The four-year old tried to convince Mom it was moving, but she never looked when it moved, even when the statue winked at my son. He was happy to pose with the statue nonetheless.

Clearly in a different pose

One of the star attractions of the festival was the mermaid tank. When we were there, a dragon mermaid was swimming around. For five bucks she'd collect an oyster from the bottom of the tank and kids could get a pearl. For extra money, the pearl was attached to a necklace. We didn't pay for that either, just looking was fine.

Mermaid greeting visitors

Swimming

More swimming

A touching moment

Up the hill a blacksmith was working and discussing his craft. I was fascinated.

Using a portable forge

Cooling the part of the metal he doesn't want to bend

Hammering to reshape the metal

Making a hook

View of the chrysalis from the blacksmith

Another shop sold dragon eggs and other decorated eggs, including some inspired by Star Wars.

More than one painted egg

Impressive

We saw a display of fantasy outfits that were very imaginative.

Not sure what kind of critter that is supposed to be

In a field, a lady was helping kids make gigantic bubbles. My son and daughter were totally into it.

Getting the bubble mix

Starting a bubble

A big one

My daughter doesn't need help

A popper approaches

Megabubble!

We enjoyed our time there but thought there were too many things that charged after we paid to get in. They had a scavenger hunt that cost ten dollars. Only one of the kids wanted to do it, so we decided to get lunch at the nearby mall. I'm not sure we'll go back next year.

No comments:

Post a Comment