The Fire Faery wandering about. PHOTO BY THE DAVIS DUO

CHELSEA — From the second you step onto the property, the feeling that you have entered a realm of enchantment and wonder fills you with joy. As magical creatures and animals alike dash through the wondrous landscape that surrounds you, games are played, art is made, and spells are cast. The wings were as abundant as the beauty and magic at this year’s Faery Experience hosted at Windy Goat Acres in Chelsea.

People from all around the state came to the county for one reason and one reason only in late August, and that was to celebrate the faerie. Whether they were adorned with wings, wands, and pointed ears, or shields, hats, and the occasional lute, all grouped together to have a wondrous time. The heat, which could have put a damper on the festivities, didn’t seem to touch those who wandered around in layers of costume.

Although when you think of a faery you may imagine a winged vision filled with charm and light, those who truly know the faeries will know that this is only one aspect of a larger class. Yes, many in attendance were bathed in color and had striking wings, but one pointed eared fellow stood apart — the troll.

A faery feasting fright of a figure that stalked the event looking for his prey. If you were to cross his path or meander into his section of the forest, ignoring the wooden warning signs, this gravel voiced creature would sling insults in your direction. As his bone soup cooked in his cauldron, recently harvested faery wings dried on spikes for a later feast. Those also who came across the troll may have been lucky enough to play a game with the old fellow. What may be perceived by the uninformed as a simple game of ring toss was actually a marvelous obstacle.

As curses were cast and broken throughout the day, many strolled from booth to booth. Venders were as fantastically diverse as the faeries that attended. From magic themed baked goods to frozen candies, from caricatures and henna art to earrings and pins. The tooth fairy even had her own stand where for a small fee you could buy a bloody tooth.

A group of faeries out for the day. PHOTO BY THE DAVIS DUO

All the hard work behind the annual Faery Fest is done by Windy Goat Acres owners Jessica Kettler and Jim Carney. The event has slowly grown and changed throughout the years, andt one new addition this year was the Maypole. While running around tending to the festivities of the day, Kettler took a moment to reflect.

“It’s going really good, I am seeing people dance, I’m seeing people interact, and really participate,” she said. “That’s the fun for me, being able to watch people getting creative and going out of their little comfort zone.”

Hobgoblin, troll, gnome, or pixie, all were welcome and had fun at the 2024 Faerie Experience. Although your wings and pointed ears might be put away for this year, the next faery celebration is but a flick of the wand away.

One of the many people dressed in fabulous costumes at the event. PHOTO BY THE DAVIS DUO

One of the aerial artists at the event, swinging above the ground. PHOTO BY THE DAVIS DUO

Jessica Kettler, owner of Windy Goat Acres and organizer of The Faery Experience, going to take pictures. PHOTO BY THE DAVIS DUO

A faery casting large bubbles for the little ones. PHOTO BY THE DAVIS DUO

Jim Carney, owner of Windy Goat Acres, dashing off to make sure things are running smoothly. PHOTO BY THE DAVIS DUO

People enjoying themselves at the Faery Experience. PHOTO BY THE DAVIS DUO

The troll below his go away sign. PHOTO BY THE DAVIS DUO