FERGUS – Over 2500 guests attended the second annual Enchanted Forest of Fergus, held Sept. 22 and 23 in the forested area behind the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex. The event raises funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington. Live musical performances included the Toronto String Quartet, the Vaudevillian, Yasgur’s Farm, and The Sidewalk Crusaders.
In addition to these acts, the “Wizard of the Woods” Rob Power performed magic shows throughout the night and a secret passageway led attendants to a theatre production spearheaded by Norah Wardell of Dance and Heart dance company, in partnership with the Elora Community Theatre.
Co-founder Julia Zimmerman was thrilled with the turnout, more than doubling the inaugural event held in 2022.
“Thank you so much to our beautiful community and everyone who attended. We are so happy to continue creating a magical experience together,” Zimmerman told the Advertiser.
“We saw 110% guest count growth from last year’s event and are looking forward to continuing to expand in the coming years,” she added.
Jessica Gurd of Hedge Tarot, participated as a vendor both nights and is excited to return for future shows.
“Usually when I attend shows they’re in convention halls, under bright fluorescent lights, and I’m always exhausted afterwards. With this show, being in the open air under the trees from twilight through moonrise with my feet on an actual forest floor… I felt like I could have done that show all week,” Gurd said.
“It was sincerely, probably my favourite show I’ll ever be a part of – I can’t imagine my vendor experience being better.”
For more information about the Enchanted Forest of Fergus, or to get involved visit fergusenchantedforest.com or find them on facebook at facebook.com/FergusEnchantedForest and instagram @fergusenchantedforest.
Magician Rob Power performed on the main stage as the evening got started. Photo by Robyn Louise
Volunteer Emily Hughes (left) poses in front of a vintage Beetle with co-founder Julia Zimmerman. Photo by Andrew Knight
Roughly 40 vendors attended the event over the weekend. Photo by Robyn Louise
A young attendant stands among the many props scattered around the forest. Photo by Robyn Louise
An enthusiastic participant dressed as a mushroom poses in a forest scene. Photo by Robyn Louise
Jessica Gurd’s tarot tent among the trees in the Enchanted Forest. Submitted Photo
Co-Founders Julia and Chris Zimmerman thank the crowd Saturday night from the main stage. Photo by Robyn Louise
Dance and heart members Kate Marentette, Jenna Worthy, Tiffany Clarke, Paloma von Fielitz and Nicolas Bunch perform in the “secret passage”. Photo by Robyn Louise
Life-sized Illuminated panels lined the pathway of the forested area behind the Centre Wellington Sportsplex. Photo by Bill Longshaw
Sandra Rickert and Chris Boucher dance under the stars over the weekend. Photo by Bill Longshaw
