The imaginative twig fence and child-size archway that encloses the waterfront Fairy House Village at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a clue to the magic that transpires within. The Village, beside the Shoreland Trail, is where children can build all manner of homes for the wee folk, all the while imagining the inhabitants who are surely waiting to take up residence. The young architects and builders can use natural supplies they find in the woods or along the trail (no living plant materials, please) or at the "Gnome Depot" in the Fairy House Village. Parents and grandparents are welcome to offer suggestions and maybe even a little help.

The Maine Fairy House Festival, Friday-Sunday, August 8-10, will be a weekend all about the fairies of the forest and the homes we can build for them. Award-winning author Tracy Kane will be featured, along with professional storytellers, dancers, 'designer' fairy houses, the gnome toss, the great bubble machine, workshops on building fairy houses and gardens - even wands and crowns. A fairy tea and fairy dance, fairy puppets, fairy gifts, and fairy this 'n' that will make for a delightful weekend of fun for the family and, no doubt, the fairies. The Festival is from 1-4 each day. Come in costume, if you like.

Friday 8/8: Maine Fairy House Festival (8/8, 8/9 & 8/10, 2008) 1:00pm