The Winter Fair

[Lisa Blundell]

December 4, 2010

The Winter Fair is the main fund-raiser of our school here. But more importantly it is a fantastic community spirit builder. It's been crazy busy but we finally did it. What a stunning day.

Each class room is transformed into a wondrous new world.

Snowdrop Market

Children fidget in excitement as they wait their turn to crawl through the secret entrance. With no grown ups allowed, a sense of independence rests on little shoulders as the young shopper peruses the wares.

A patient helper acts as guide while inexpensive trinkets are considered. Maybe a Christmas present for Mom or a gift for Grandpa. There is a vast array of handmade delights to choose from. Fairy dust, jingle bells, sea shells and nut babies are amongst the treasures that nestle in baskets at small-person height.

Silken drapery cascades from the ceiling and clouds of white tulle frame the space, adding to the magic and wonder that is the Snowdrop Market.

Woodland Pond

Just like the back of the wardrobe to Narnia, when the traveler exits the school hall and enters the woodland setting she steps into another world. The guide speaks in hushed tones of a sacred place where serenity is supreme, then leads the young traveler through the woodland scene.

Oak leaves rustle under small feet as the children meander past pine trees. Pea lights twinkle in the still twilight as the pair reaches the body of water. They make a wish on an acorn boat, set it sailing and seal the wish with a feather breath.

On leaving the sanctuary the young traveler is presented with a wood pendant necklace as a guarantee their sacred Woodland Pond wish will come true.

Wish Tree

A quiet place for gentle reflection, the wishing tree looms over the solitary little chair. The wisher is invited to sit for a bit and contemplate their inner feelings before writing their wish on a card and hanging it from one of the Wish Tree branches.

The Good Witch

The Good Witch’s cavern is a special sanctuary. There, secrets are whispered and entrusted to her care. Confidences are treasured and trust is gold. The Good Witch’s gnome guards her entrance and with a joke and a wink lets each child in.

Ethereal fabric flutters and white lights twinkle in the boughs of the trees. The Good Witch, draped in snowy white, sparkles with glitter as she sits on her throne greeting each guest with a gentle smile and a special gingerbread cookie.

The King Winter Café

Weeks of hunting and gathering [k3] by dedicated parents results in hearty fare that feeds the hordes of hungry customers. Soups and stews, wraps, curries and sandwiches are deliciously satisfying. All palates catered to and the only difficulty is keeping one’s appetite up to sample the array of culinary delights on offer.

The Snow Queen Bakery

The aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air moments before the visual treat delights the customer’s eye. Cookies are packaged with festive ribbon, wooden shelving groans under the weight of home-baked pies and elaborate cakes entice. [k4] Days of baking, decorating and preparation by the talented bakers at the school are displayed in the most mouth-watering way.

Sleighbells Boutique (this one was my baby! Felted creatures below made by Emily Menzes)

The creativity and skill of the Waldorf parents are showcased at the Sleighbells Boutique. Wet-felted gnome villages are a co-operative offering crafted by a group of handwork aficionados. Hand-knitted pieces tempt; the home-spun yarn is fondled eagerly. Wee felt birdhouses dangle from a branch and the needle-felted animals are highly sought after. Quilted table runners run out within minutes and beaded jewelry pleases the girls.

A rush at the door’s opening proves the fine art of hand-made crafting is still highly revered.

Candle-dipping

Buy a wick and move to station one. A dip in the beeswax applies the first coat and a slow walk to station two follows. By the room’s end your candle is complete and all there is left to do is decorate with small wax doodads.

Puppet show and Storytelling

These sessions sell-out and the young audience is entranced as the Waldorf-inspired stories unfold in gentle voice.

Jack Frost Craft Room

Young budding artists delight in the crafts on offer in the Jack Frost Craft room. Peg men are created with wool beards and felt robes and paint skitters across the page with straw blown paintings that become personalized greeting cards. Heads are adorned with enormous crepe paper roses while imagination and creativity runs free. [k5]

The Winter Fair is absolutely stunning. Many friendships are formed as everyone got together and worked really hard. It was wonderful.

---