
Ford House is an English Cotswold-inspired mansion, complete with a stone roof, vine-covered walls and lead windows (This image belongs to me)
I don’t know about y’all, but there’s one local summer event I can’t wait to check out: the Fairy Tale Art: Illustrations from Children’s Books at Edsel & Eleanor Ford House.
Being a history nerd, I became enchanted with the Ford House a few years back and even wrote about my visit there in my old blog. This place is a mecca of historic cool that is a tribute to the Ford family – aka – Detroit’s first family (Edsel is the only son of Henry Ford, creator of Ford Motor Co.). The estate, sprawled out on scenic acreage on Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Shores, is like a castle, so this event is such an amazing fit.
The art exhibit portion features 59 illustrations of beloved fairytale classics such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, and will be on display July 16 – Sept. 18.
However, the part Little K and I are most geeked about is a special Fairy Tale Festival happening on July 23 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Building on the Michigan Library Association’s summer reading theme, “One World, Many Stories,” the festival will take a look at the tradition of storytelling through stories, fables and folklore, encouraging parents and children to read and explore the stories together. Anyone with a little one will be impressed with the list of activities, too.
On July 23, guests can expect to see:
- Multiple stages highlighting theater, puppetry, music and interactive storytelling performances
- Favorite fairy tale characters wandering the grounds (fairy princesses and a swashbuckling pirate are among them)
- A petting zoo of live fairy tale animals
- Croquet, a life-size chess set and a concession area decorated like a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (from Alice in Wonderland)
- Mural coloring
- Crafts with Radio Disney
- Cinderella’s carriage, where children can climb aboard
Be sure to bring a camera to capture the magic!
Also, in August, there will be a series of lectures and workshops that explore writing, illustration and the messages of fairy tales in for adults, plus more family fun.
Admittance to the Fairy Tale Art exhibit is included with general admission and is free to members. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Children 2 and under are free. To purchase tickets and download a complete list of activities, visit www.fordhouse.org.
Since this is Mrs. Weber’s Neighborhood and I feel strongly about showing Little K the land of make-believe, you bet I’m going to check this out. Stay tuned for fun photos on my Facebook page. Hope those of you who are local can make it out!
This DOES look magical. I’m sure you and Little K will have a ball!
I am sure we will too. Sounds so magical!
That is so cool – you and Little K will have such a special day there. I still have never been to the Ford House. I was bummed I couldn’t make it that night for Tweetea. Have fun at the event! 🙂
Thank you. I love Ford House. Any time you want to take a drive out there, you let me know!
That sounds cool! You’ll have a great time!
Thanks, girl! It shall be fun I’m sure 🙂
That sounds like so much fun. Too bad we’re going to be away that weekend or I would make the drive with Little Lauren. Hope you guys have a blast!
Thanks so much, Stephanie! I’ll be sure to post other fun local events for our little gals 🙂
Oh, that looks so very cool. Hmmm, considering whether I can wrangle both kids. Probably no…
Haha, yes, I could see where that might be a challenge. See if you can grab a friend or two to tag along?!