Bring Magic to the Fairy Trails this Summer
Crafted by Hand: Celebrating the Arts & Cultures of America
A Fun Fairy House Competition
Sunday, June 7, 2026
from 12 to 4 pm
Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park
THEME
This year’s Fun Fairy House Competition invites you to imagine Crafted by Hand: Celebrating the Arts and Cultures of America! Step into a charming, hands-on exploration of the traditional crafts and trades that have shaped our country. Picture tiny weaving looms, candle-making fairy huts, quilting cabins, blacksmith shops, pottery studios, and woodcarving cottages — miniature spaces where creativity, skill, and imagination come alive.
Using natural materials, participants of all ages are invited to design fairy homes that celebrate artistry, resourcefulness, and the connection between people and the land. Each whimsical creation will add a spark of wonder to the Fairy Trails, inspiring visitors to marvel at the magic of handmade traditions and the joy of shared creativity.
Help us build a whimsical world where fairies and the community gather, explore, and celebrate the joy of making and the beauty of the outdoors — on the Fairy Trails!
LOCATION
The Fairy Trails are located at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park to the right of the Butterfly Garden and across from the Pavilion (you’ll see a sign indicating the trail).
The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park
1490 Red Drive, Traverse City, Michigan
DETAILS & GUIDELINES
Installation
Fairy houses should be installed on Sunday, June 7th between 12:00–2:00 PM.
Please note: Fairy houses should be fully built at home and brought ready to install. (There is no on-site building during the event.)
If you’d love to participate but need to install earlier, please reach out to heather@lifeandwhim.com to coordinate. Include your name, fairy house name, and contact number.
Early set-up is available beginning Friday, June 5th. All houses must be placed in a flagged location along the trail. Please note: spots cannot be reserved in advance.
Building Your Fairy House
Use natural materials such as sticks, stones, acorns, and pine cones
No plastic, metal, or glass
Glue, natural feathers, paint, and twine are welcome
Make your house sturdy and weather-friendly
Placement
Place your fairy house along the trail’s edge
Look for a flagged spot to play your house to help protect the surrounding gardens
Please do not dig or disturb plants
Labeling
Each house must include a name and assigned number — you can write or paint it on a rock or small sign
Your number will be emailed to you the week of the event
When you arrive on June 7th, please visit the registration table to pick up your official sign to place by your house, along with your complimentary 2026 Fairy Sticker (just for makers!)
Who Can Enter
Anyone can participate — all ages welcome!
Build on your own or with a friend, family, or team
Categories
Please choose one category when entering:
Sprites — kids (under 16) and families
Fantastical Fairies — ages 16+
Organizations — non-profits and organized groups
All fairy houses will be left on the Fairy Trails after the competition for people in the community to enjoy! (Please note, fairy houses will be cleaned up / picked up as they break down over time due to weather and seasonal changes.)
Register to Build a Fairy House
Please sign up below to register for the competition.
Please email me with any questions heather@lifeandwhim.com
Awards
Everyone who registers and builds a fairy house is a winner and will receive the custom designed 2026 Fairy Trail Sticker featuring artwork by Heather Harrington. You can pick up your sticker at the event.
The community will be the judge through the People’s Choice Award!
Voting will be available starting June 7th at 2pm online or via QR code found at the entrance to the Fairy Trails. Voting ends July 3rd.
People’s Choice Awards
Organizations: for non-profits and organized groups
Sprites: for kids (under 16) and families
Fantastical Fairies: for adults and kids 16 and up
**The award winners will receive a gift bag of goodies and will be notified by email! And announced at the July 7th A Very Fairy Cherry JamBerry at the Botanic Garden from 2-4 pm.
BELIEVE
When you believe in something bigger than yourself, you can make a bigger impact than you ever thought possible. Belief is what allows you to tap into the curiosity that reveals creativity. It gives you the courage to take risks. It brings you closer to your dreams. We believe in the power of small acts to build a movement, which is why we created the Fairy Trails in the first place. And we believe in the potential of everyone—especially kids—to make a difference in their own unique way, and thereby inspire others to do the same.
