Festival Overview
On July 25, the Faeries of the Forest Festival will light up Vasa Park in South Elgin with twin musical artists as headliners. The Harp Twins, Camille and Kennerly Kitt, bring their unique harp renditions of heavy metal and rock songs. Dromil and Dromal Volfgang, known for their dynamic drumming, will also perform. Festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a sensory-friendly hour starting the event.
Origins and Growth
This festival follows the tradition of the World of Faeries Festival, which concluded in 2023 after 19 years. The current Faeries of the Forest Festival started in 2024, founded by dedicated fans aiming to continue whimsical celebrations.
Valerie Notarnicola, festival board president, shared that attendance grew from 600 in its inaugural year to 900 last year. The festival now has over 20 volunteers involved.
Musical Performances
The Harp Twins, known for their rock arrangements, will perform. They have released 15 albums and have toured globally, attracting over 2.5 million social media followers. The Volfgang Twins will showcase their unique tribal/Viking drum performances, featuring material from their 2025 album “Ice Storm.”
Festival Experiences
Beyond music, the festival offers various attractions. Kids Quest introduces new creatures and activities throughout the day. Activities aim to engage all age groups, rewarding participants with keychains and allowing them to stamp leather crafts.
Belegarth Medieval Combat Society hosts an event titled Invasion of the Veilwood, showcasing live-action role-play combat.
Food and Market
Attendees can enjoy offerings from food trucks and vendors. The Woodland Market features 75 vendors selling arts and crafts, perfect for those seeking unique items.
Family-Friendly Activities
The festival includes a tea party, storytelling, workshops, and roaming entertainers. It’s designed to welcome all ages, promoting creativity and community connections. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for young attendees aged 5 to 18, and are free for young children and seniors.
Valerie Notarnicola encourages attendance to embrace community spirit and creativity. This festival aims to become a memorable highlight of the summer.
Annie Alleman is a freelance reporter for The (Elgin) Courier-News.