Fairyville is returning to its spring roots.
The ninth annual Nickel Plate Arts event, traditionally held in the spring, was moved to October in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re looking forward to all the spring has to offer for fairies, kids and family who want to get out and enjoy Earth Week,” Nickel Plate Arts Director Aili McGill said. “The other really exciting feature about this program is how much participation we’ve gotten from all the merchants and restaurants and artists in downtown Noblesville. It’s really become an opportunity for all the businesses downtown to have some fun in the spring and spread some business their way in slow parts of the year. “
McGill said it has energized her staff to hold the event again after it was presented last fall.
“It was so fun in the fall to have a window to work on a program that is so creative and lighthearted, so to have that again in the spring when we are starting to realize this summer is going to be so busy in the arts world (is exciting),” McGill said. “This is a nice respite for us to think about and play and have fun with, so it hasn’t been a challenge to have it so close together.”
McGill said businesses come up with a special feature for the event or a menu item or something special they are going to do in their window to get in on the fairy spirit.
“Similar to last fall, we are going to be concentrating on outdoor activities,” McGill said. “Two years ago, the main feature would have been a fairy tea party that you could sign up for. You can’t really serve tea very easily during COVID. This year, there are several groups that have figured out fun features as fun as the tea parties without the COVID-related challenges.”
The Lil Bloomers, a children’s boutique, will present an outdoor fashion show with a toadstool theme.
“We’re encouraging people to start on our campus and then the trail goes on Maple Street to the river walk, around the square and then back toward campus,” McGill said. “You can do it the whole thing in one big loop or you can just do a segment of it.”
Tickets are available for Nickel Plate Express Fairy Caboose rides April 23-24 at nickleplatearts.org.
