CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Fairies, mermaids, and magic filled Audubon Acres this weekend for the Chattanooga Audubon Society’s Fairy and Folk Festival.
From fairy wings to Creekside mermaids, families spent the weekend stepping into a storybook setting, with two mermaids at South Chickamauga Creek interacting with children and adding to the festival experience.
It was a busy Memorial Day weekend crowd across the grounds, with visitors in costume exploring food trucks, music, activities and attractions all throughout the weekend.
Laura Marsh, Director of Development for the Chattanooga Audubon Society, said the turnout and energy reflected the holiday spirit, noting that “it’s been amazing… people are out and about, everyone’s dressed up, everyone has a good attitude,” adding that the rain had held off throughout the event.
Beyond the costumes and characters, Marsh said the festival is designed to bring the community together while highlighting the organization’s mission at Audubon Acres. She explained that staff want to connect with neighbors and share “whimsy and fun and magic” while showing what the Chattanooga Audubon Society is all about.
Even with rain in the forecast, organizers moved forward with the festival rain or shine. Marsh said it was “a risk and definitely a challenge,” but added that attendees embraced it, joking that “rain boots go really well with fairy wings,” as families enjoyed a “muddy but magical” day.
For many, the most memorable moments came from the children experiencing the festival. Marsh said she saw kids run up to her, give hugs, and ask if she was a real fairy… moments she said reflected the spirit of the event and the setting.
The festival also featured a fairy house competition sponsored by See Rock City, where participants built biodegradable homes from natural materials, with the winner receiving a free annual Rock City pass.
The event continues to grow each year, blending imagination, family fun, and conservation education at the heart of the Chattanooga Audubon Society’s mission.
