Magical Family Day at the 29th Annual Elves’ Faire

The 29th Annual Elves’ Faire may be only a few weeks away, but the parents and staff at Pasadena Waldorf School have been preparing for months to host this popular community event. Attended by thousands each year from all over greater Los Angeles and beyond, the Faire features music, feasting, crafting, holiday shopping, medieval-style contests and games for children of all ages. The Elves’ Faire will take place this year on Saturday, November 22, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on the wooded setting of the PWS campus at 209 East Mariposa Street in Altadena. Admission is free and the Faire goes on rain or shine.

In addition to magical family activities, the Elves’ Faire is widely known for unique holiday shopping. The Doll Room is an enchanted showcase of one-of-a-kind handmade dolls lovingly created by members of the Pasadena Waldorf community. The Angel Room is a magical experience for children only, where “Angels,” played by PWS students, accompany the children as they select beautiful handmade gifts for their family members and friends. The Wishing Well offers durable and sustainable natural toys, books, and health & beauty items. King Arthur’s Market is a medieval outpost with handmade swords, shields, capes and other beautifully crafted fantasy toys created by community artists and artisans. Jack Frost Bake Shoppe offers delicious baked goods, including plenty of tasty gluten-free, vegan and peanut-free goodies often not found in local markets, as well as holiday ornaments and gifts. The Silent Auction Holiday Shopping Boutiques feature unbelievable deals on vacations, entertainment & dining, fashion, jewelry, unique gifts and certificates, and world-class art.

Faire-goers can get creative at Arts & Crafts tables making handcrafted treasures, hand-dipped candles, and leather items to keep or give as gifts. The medieval-style Games area includes jousting, rope ladders, mazes, and much more. Our youngest participants enjoy digging for treasure and fishing for prizes at the Pixie Party. Take your family holiday photo at the fantastical Photo Studio.

Elves’ Faire entertainment features roving medieval characters, puppet shows, and live bands and musicians. The Fairies Feast is an international experience by itself with inspired food from a variety of well-known chefs and local restaurants as well as food trucks. There are also places to sit and enjoy a cappuccino or cup of hot cocoa, or tuck away in the delightful Woodland Tea Garden for tea and goodies with the Forest Queen.

To view the magic of the Elves’ Faire, watch this short video: https://vimeo.com/76745072

The Elves’ Faire is among the greenest school fundraisers in the Los Angeles area. By using 100% compostable or recyclable materials, including plates, cups, napkins, and flatware, the Faire strives to be a zero-waste event. Since the 2008 Elves’ Faire, Pasadena Waldorf School has diverted over 4½ tons of waste from the landfill; nearly 90% of all waste generated at the Faire was composted and turned back into soil.

Credit cards are accepted throughout many areas of the Faire. For more information, visit www.elves-faire.com.

Pasadena Waldorf School, founded in 1979, is one of over 1,000 Waldorf schools worldwide with over 90 years experience offering inspired education. Waldorf Education is the among the fastest growing and largest independent school movements in the world. Waldorf schools offer a developmentally appropriate, experiential approach to education. They integrate the arts and academics for children from Early Childhood through High School. The aim of the education is to inspire life-long learning in each student and enable them to fully develop their unique capacities.