Fairy Magic on Main St. at the Dansville Fairy Fest

by D.E. Bentley –

On Friday, July 6th, Fairy Fest events on Main Street in Dansville offered opportunities to capture a wee bit of fairy magic.  Heading into town, I stopped first at Pioneer Park and caught a glimpse of a fairy that had ventured in through one of the welcoming fairy doors placed there.  Fairies, in modern tales, are tiny, often shy, creatures that love and care for the natural world.  Storyteller Cris Riedel, who told several stories to an assembled crowd of listeners of all ages at the Fairy Doors of Dansville Fairy Fest, likes to tell the “old ones,” and is quick to remind me that fairies in the original fairy tales are less than kindly sorts.

No matter their temperament, Dansville welcomes fairies, and children of all ages journey into town to search for the many fairy doors tucked within area businesses and other locations – including high up in trees.  The magic rests not only in the search for the doors and fairies but also in seeing these wonderful little creations – created by local artists and placed by Fairy Door collaborators Jeanne Gridley and Susan Demuth – owner of Dogwood Trading Company.

I caught sight of many doors as I walked along Main Street.  At one point I found myself surrounded by drifting bubbles and imagined within them tiny travelers, although at Dansville Art Works another mode of transportation was offered for these little travelers.  It was there that I encountered Madeline Osborn as she put the finishing touches on her fairy taxi – crafted from pipe cleaners and beads.  Most fairies can fly, as you know, but even fairies get tired and enjoy the comfort of more luxurious transportation

Magic takes many forms and I stepped back out into the night air as Jasper French caught sight of his dragon scales, painted by Jolin Qiu.  Jolin (Class of 2022) was joining some peers from the Dansville Class of 2020, on hand for the Fairy Fest as face painters. 2020 and 2022 are, you have to admit, pretty magical years to be graduating in.  These young people, who shared that their plans for the future were still, well, a bit up in the air, seemed ready to take on whatever adventures they might encounter, wherever their paths may lead.  It was great to see them already assuming leadership roles in their community.

Fairies, and so many of the wonderful and magical things life has to offer come alive with the stories we tell.  Standing outside the Dansville Public Library, as the hostess of a bean bag toss – that included a sought after magic wand – stood ready to share in the festival fun, I wondered if the groups of children I saw all around me realized, as I did at a young age, the power to be found in books and stories.  They all seemed actively engaged and immersed in role-play

.  I stopped briefly to peek in at worlds within a world as Jane, Winifred and others colored fairy doors at Dogwood Trading Company and sisters Ella and Rachel crafted glittery crowns at Mill Creek Optical.

So many people of all ages were caught up in the magic. This was a special night to be in town, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the lovely evening.  There were, of course, groups of children, including Ella and Rachel’s family, searching for all of the wonderful fairy doors –hopeful that they might even see a shy fairy or two.  The Sugar Bowl was also a popular location –ice cream is always a great addition to summertime fun.

First Fridays only happen once a month (the next one is on August 3rd), but travelers of all ages can experience the wonder of The Fairy Doors of Dansville anytime! There are 23 whimsical little doors located in the business district, with several more in the trees of Pioneer Park next to the Dansville Area Historical Museum.  Use the free map (available at Dansville ArtWorks and all fairy door host locations) to find all the doors, and stop by Dansville ArtWorks or Dogwood Trading Company to receive a surprise!