August 7, 2024
By Eve Copeland

Prepare to be enchanted as the Pickerington Wizard Faire returns on August 9 from 4-9 pm. Victory Park will transform into a mystical wonderland, inviting knights, witches and magical beings of all ages to immerse themselves in whimsy and delight.

Wizard Faire is a free Renaissance Festival and one of the signature events of Fairfield County’s Wands & Wizards Weekend. From August 8 through August 10, restaurants, shops, museums and libraries across the county will host magical-themed events like the “Expecto Hangover” bar crawl hosted by Destination Lancaster. the free bookstore “Flourish in Books” in Baltimore’s Victoria Opera House and the “Roaring 20s Murder Mystery” at Wagnalls Memorial in Lithopolis.

Wizard Faire is a collaboration between the Pickerington Village Association, the Pickerington Public Library, and Visit Fairfield County.

Those who attended last year’s event will be pleased that many of the incredible vendors and food trucks have returned, along with several new faces. Each shop has been meticulously curated by Kasey Ankham of Creative Soul to ensure a variety of unique offerings.

Young and old alike will enjoy testing their skills at one of the festival’s many carnival games. There will be challenging games such as the giant slingshot and the frog launcher, as well as prize-every-time games including the big wheel and the duck pond. Those seeking adventure are encouraged to embark on a Dungeons & Dragons-style quest full of challenges and puzzles.

The Faire will also feature a cake walk with delicious baked goods from Nothing Bundt Cakes, Crumbl Cookies, and Delicioso (Key Lime Pie & Tres Leche).

Young adventurers and their parents should visit the Pickerington library tent to enjoy a free scavenger hunt. Everyone is encouraged to find hidden items across the grounds which they can bring back to fill their own magic potion bottle. The library will also be giving away books and hosting trivia in the pavilion.

In the pavilion, there will be magical bingo games and musical storytelling by the whimsical bard, Bob Ford. Throughout the grounds, entertainers will interact with the visitors, including magician Jake Lundgren and fascinating performers from the People’s Circus.

On the Main Stage, Wizard Faire will welcome nationally ranked competitors from the Irwin Academy of Irish Dance as well as the mesmerizing artists of Aetherial Jest. Pickerington Community Theatre actors will perform excerpts from recent productions, Victoria’s Children’s Theatre will present selections from Les Miserables and by popular demand, the library will present the Ohio School of Falconry.

The evening will conclude with a costume contest. The categories include “Best Group Costume,” “Best Pet Costume” (sponsored by Pickerington PetSmart), “Best Kid Costume” (age 10 and under), and “Best Costume” (age 11 and older). The winner of each category will receive a gift card from Bob’s Backyard BBQ, a voucher for one half hour of free bowling from Rule 3 and Wizard Faire T-shirts. The winner of “Best Kid Costume” and “Best Costume” will also receive special prizes from Visit Fairfield County.

The organizers of Wizard Faire would like to thank the following sponsors, without whom the festival would not be possible: the City of Pickerington, Creative Soul, Capitol Fence, Knotty Witch Macrame, ABS Accounting & CPA’s, Pickerington Community Theatre, Posh TeaTime, Combustion Brewery & Taproom, Cardo’s Pizza & Tavern, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Pickerington Online.

Thank you also to Kiddie Academy for the free bubble zone and Bob’s Backyard BBQ for the craft station!

After you visit Wizard Faire, be sure to check out these other Pickerington area businesses participating in Wands & Wizards Weekend: Sorso (Sorting Hat Cupcakes), Bob’s Backyard BBQ and Five6 Gaming (Magic the Gathering “Wilds of Eldraine” event), Combustion Brewery (Polyjuice Potion Release), and Fiiz Drinks (Wizard School house beverages).

Fiiz will also award free popcorn to anyone who completes the Pickerington Village Fairy House Trail during the Wands & Wizards Weekend.

To follow the Fairy House Trail and to learn of all the special events throughout Fairfield County, download the Visit Fairfield County app onto your mobile device.