Won't You Come to the Ball?

What’s the best reason to come to Fairyland’s “Beauties & Beasts” Gala fundraiser on June 2?

1.       To experience Oakland’s legendary storybook park after hours (adults only!).
2.       To sample food and drink from the East Bay’s best restaurants, wineries and breweries.
3.       Costumes, costumes, costumes ... and plenty of storybook settings for selfies.
4.       To dance under the stars to live music.
5.       To bid on fabulous items in live and silent auctions.
6.    .  To support a great Oakland institution that introduces young children to stories and imaginative play.

Barefoot on the Greens

When Ratka Mira Popovic was a toddler, in the 1970s, her Yugoslavian immigrant parents made a point to explore Oakland’s delights with her and her older sister. Lakeside Park by Lake Merritt was a popular destination: It boasted not only Children’s Fairyland but also gardens, a nature center and a manicured area that Ratka found particularly fascinating. Behind a short fence she observed people playing a game on pristine grass, rolling what looked like a funny ball, and generally having a great time. Her curiosity was piqued.

Lawn bowling in Lakeside Park.

  

Putting the "Bug" in Jitterbug

Every year I look forward to Garden Day at Fairyland. Families throng the park to receive free seedlings; watch Uncle Jer’s Travelling Bee Show; and make troll and fairy houses, pollinator masks and butterfly finger puppets. All of the activities encourage kids to get down and dirty and to appreciate the amazing urban ecosystem around us. 

This year we have something new, and we’re sure it will surprise and delight kids and adults alike: tap-dancing insects.

Dance/10’s Jitterbugs tap troupe will perform this Saturday as part of Fairyland’s Garden Day.