GLITTERY GARDEN FLITTER: Winged mythical creatures have always had a place in nature, from tales told long ago to the picture books lining bookstore shelves today. But venturing into the yard to find a fairy, or perhaps to don your own pair of wings in celebration of that fairy spirit, isn't quite as common as listening to a story involving the light-of-air characters. The San Diego Botanic Garden is changing that, as seeing a caboodle of kids decked out in their fairy-style best at the Encinitas destination is now becoming a regular thing. Well, of course, if you happen to be at the nature-filled landmark on the right Saturday of the year. And that Saturday in 2016 is...
JUNE 18, which is just days ahead of the summer solstice, a perfect time of year for full fairydom to flower. The Fairy Festival is a party for the younger set, and children are invited to go the full wings-and-tutu route with their garden-ready fashion. Not that adults are asked to not costume-up, as this is a sweet kidly confab, one that is all about connecting childhood wonder with a magical mythos of the natural world. Helping that connection will be several sparkly to-dos, from a Wishing Bush (where you may place a wish) to the decorating of magic wands to the making of fairy chimes. Folk tunes, face painting, and numerous other enchanted craft-oriented happenings await.
THE COST? "(C)ertain activities" have an additional fee, but the whole Fairy Festival is included with your garden admission. If that fact doesn't make your wings flick just a bit, in happy anticipation, well... It likely already has.