An Ice Cream Fantasy at Fairytale Town
A Review by John Benton
Staff Writer
On Saturday, June 9, 2013, beloved children’s amusement park Fairytale Town hosted their annual fundraiser – A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sponsored by Crystal and Foster Farms dairies, Mix 96, KVIE and PG and E, among others, Fairytale Town was transformed for the night into a festival of fun to support their education programs and help pay for park improvements. What a fun night it was. Photo, Fairytale Town Crystal Ice Cream Fantasy
As you ducked your head and entered the gate to Fairytale Town, you were greeted by sparkling decorations and costumed characters. There were fairies, warriors, witches, and even a large-headed troll wandering around, ready to take pictures with you, or just interact. Children flocked to meet them. Throughout the night, the Mother Goose stage was used for the announcements and the musical guest. Photo, Two patrons in costumes
Celtic rock band Tempest entertained the crowd throughout the night with their unique mix of modern rock and roll music and classic Celtic styles. They were very high energy and kept the crowd rockin’! The younger music enthusiasts were happy to keep dancing and moving while the band played. At one point, the band even invited the young dancers in costumes to join them on stage. Tempest was exactly the band to help set the theme for the night.
At various locations around the park, volunteers were placed to hand out all-you-can-eat bowls of Crystal Dairy ice cream. Each station had a different flavor – chocolate, strawberry, mint chip, vanilla, butter pecan, rainbow sherbet, and cookie dough. Such a delicious, cool treat was enjoyed by all. There was also quite a selection of food and drink to be had. Fairytale Town's own Dish and Spoon Cafe was open with their normal fair. Additionally, the Wicked 'Wich food truck offered gourmet burgers and treats. Adult beverages were offered at Bottom's Up Tavern - Sprits provided by Hoppy Brewing Company, Bogle Winery, Lucchesi Vineyards & Winery and C.G. Di’Arie Winery. Photo, a group of merry faire goers
There was also an old-time marketplace full of wares to make even the most discerning fair shopper smile. Everything from fairy wands and flowered circlets to fairy art was available for purchase at very affordable prices. Henna painting and face painting also helped everyone get more into the mood of the evening. Throughout the evening Mr. McGregor's Garden hosted fun crafts for the kids. Volunteers ran two stations for children to create and embellish their own Bottom's Donkey Ears or Fairy Garlands. Beautiful paper flowers and feathers adorned the garlands as the fairies went about the rest of their night. Photo, Fortune tellers
A big fundraiser at this event was the Silent Auction and Raffles. Amazing prizes like wine baskets and signed artwork were available for preview and bidding. Announcements of winners were made by the emcee Jennifer Wood from Mix 96 on the Mother Goose Stage. Other celebrities present for the night were the honorary King and Queen of the Fairies: John Frisch from Cornish & Carey as Oberon and Monica Woods from News 10 as Titania. They were also available through the night to take pictures. Photo, Honorary King and Queen: News 10s Monica Woods and Cornish and Carey's John Frisch with two costumed princesses
The night's events could not have been accomplished without the help of a whole cadre of volunteers. At each ice cream station and craft booth, and even walking around offering assistance were a multitude of smiling faces - many of which were of high school age. It's is always nice to see so many young adults and teens giving back to the community by working with children.
For more information about Fairytale Town or to find out about their upcoming events, visit them at www.fairytaletown.org For more information about the band Tempest, visit www.tempestmusic.com Photos by John Benton
About Fairytale Town
Fairytale Town is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit children's park and educational center in Land Park whose mission is to promote the imagination, creativity and education of children. Established in 1959, Fairytale Town is home to 25 three-dimensional play sets based on favorite fairytales and nursery rhymes, a family of 22 rare and miniature breed animals, three interactive learning gardens and two performing arts stages. From March through October, the park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From November through February, the park is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. For more information, visit www.fairytaletown.org or call (916) 808-7462. Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA (916) 808-7462.
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