Buffalo, NY - Fairies and Gnomes are mystical and magical creatures and the Botanical Gardens will celebrate their charm with the Fairy and Gnome House Contest, the Fairy and Gnome Festival and Fairy Garden Make-It Take-It Workshops on April 28.
The Botanical Gardens is looking for imaginative minds to enter the Fairy and Gnome House Contest. Anyone can enter including; scout groups, classrooms, families, individuals, neighborhoods or teams. “House” is open to interpretation. Participants are encouraged to be creative to construct original houses, gardens, camp grounds or wherever you think fairies and gnomes spend their time. Creations must consist of natural or natural looking materials and organizers encourage the use of recycled materials. Houses must be no larger than 2 feet tall by 2 feet wide. Registration is due April 21 and completed houses are to be delivered to the Botanical Gardens either April 25 (12-6pm) or April 26 (12-5pm). All entries will be on display for the Fairy and Gnome Festival daily April 28 through May 28. Winners will be chosen at the Festival however People’s Choice will continue through the weekend. Various prizes will be awarded for both individuals and groups. The entry fee is $5 for Botanical Gardens’ members and $8 for the general public. Go to www.buffalogardens.com or call 827.1584 ext. 292 for more information.
The Fairy and Gnome Festival will take place at the Botanical Gardens on April 28 from 10am-5pm. Enter the Botanical Gardens’ enchanted forest for some fun with mystical friends. Activities will include; fairy-themed crafts and activities, a magical scavenger hunt and Fairy and Gnome House viewing. Mama Earth’s Kitchen Band will entertain guests with 30 minute Fairy Shows with music, sing-alongs and interactive instrument playing in the Main Palm Dome at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Nick Presents Magic will also be part of the fun with shows at 11am and 1pm, with balloon animals in between shows.The festival is included with Botanical Gardens’ admission; $11 for adults, $10 for seniors (62+) $9 for students (13+), $6 for kids 3-12, Garden members and kids two and under are free. Attendees that wear a fairy or gnome costume will receive $1 off admission.
The Fairy Garden Make-It Take-It Workshop is also part of the enchanted Festival. The workshop will be offered at 9:30am and 2pm on April 28. Kids ages 5-12 with great imaginations are encouraged to create the perfect fairy or gnome hideaway using moss beds, twig fences, seed mailboxes and so much more. This artistic workshop will use found and natural materials to ensure fairies and gnomes will feel right at home. Parents and guardians are encouraged to help their child create a home for their mythical friends. The workshop is $15 for Botanical Gardens’ members and $20 for the general public. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Containers, soil and plants are included in the registration fee and participants may purchase pre-made twig furniture for $5 per two pieces before or at the workshop.
Use #FairiesInTheGardens and @Buffalogardens when posting and tagging on social media. For more information, visit the Botanical Gardens’ website at www.buffalogardens.com. Proceeds benefit the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with a mission to inspire curiosity and connect people to the natural world through its historic living museum.