Merry adventurers from far and wide are invited to explore the daring tale of Robin Hood as the grounds of the historic Edsel & Eleanor Ford House (Ford House) in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, are transformed into the legendary land of Nottingham during the Fairy Tale Festival, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 23. With games, crafts, circus performers and more, this year’s festival brings families together to join Robin Hood’s band of outlaws with a triumphant cry of, “oo-de-lally!”
Festival guests can expect to be immersed in the world of Robin Hood as they visit the king’s court, venture into Sherwood Forest and hide out at Robin Hood’s outlaw camp. Kids of all ages can grab a bow and arrow and test their archery skills, take up a May pole ribbon and participate in a May Day celebration dance, and get lost in a good story with storyteller Karen Bonnici or Greg Lester’s Puppet Theater.
The story of Robin Hood will come to life as costumed actors from the All the World’s A Stage children’s theatre group perform live theatrical scenes throughout the festival. Onlookers will witness outlaws dodging the sneaky Sherriff of Nottingham and Robin Hood outsmarting the cowardly Prince John in various scenes all day. Guests can also join in the action and play a round of badminton with the fair Maid Marion, try their hand at stilt walking and circus tricks with the king’s jesters Cirque Amongus, get a palm reading by a gypsy fortune teller and more.
"The Fairy Tale Festival is one of our favorite events at Ford House. My daughters and I have been attending since it started and have so many great memories exploring Josephine's Play House and visiting all the fun craft stations,” Stephanie Harris, a Grosse Pointe resident said. “We can't wait to see what's in store this year for Robin Hood!"
Children and adults alike are encouraged to come in costume or visit the festival’s dress-up area to try on a costume and get their photo taken. Any lord, lady, outlaw or fairy folk can add some flair to their look by visiting the craft stations to make their own medieval coin purses, Robin Hood hats and flower crowns.
“With the magical setting of our historic grounds, for a child, it’s like a fairy tale has come to life. It’s the perfect place to promote literacy, the arts and family fun through theatre, storytelling and good old-fashioned play,” Gretchen Abrams, Ford House education programs coordinator said. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to lose themselves in a storybook for a day.
Families will take home a copy of the graphic novel Robin Hood by Shepard and Watson to practice reading at home as a gift from the Ford House in partnership with the Ford Motor Company Fund and the Friends of the Grosse Pointe Library.
Food and drinks can be purchased at the festival from food trucks Monkey Business, with a variety of menu options including sandwiches, salads and nachos, and Rita’s Italian Ice, offering Italian ice and gelato cookie sandwiches.
Tickets for the Fairy Tale Festival are $12 online in advance or $15 day of. Children under 2 are free. To purchase tickets and for more details, please visit fordhouse.org.
Keeping the adventure alive this summer, the Ford House will be holding two archery workshops for adults and kids 8 and older who want to learn to hit a bullseye like Robin Hood with Motor City Archers at 11 a.m. on July 25 and Aug. 8. Tickets for the archery workshops are available at fordhouse.org.
__________________
To get the scoop on family fun in Birmingham, Troy, Clawson, and nearby, sign-up to receive our kid-friendly event calendar and e-newsletter HERE!
