On Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24, 2015, throngs of fairy fans are expected to visit Mineral Point, Wisconsin as Shake Rag Alley will be hosting its 4th Annual Tour of Fairy Homes. This curious event, which grows every year, attracts hundreds of people from all over the Midwest.

The self-guided tour is free for children 11 and under. The price of admission is $5 for everyone else and includes lemonade and cookies. You can bid on the homes in a silent auction or build your own ($20). Note: our homes are affordable. No need to take out a mortgage as recently reported in the New York Times.

Each fairy home featured in the tour has been individually designed and custom built to meet the needs of its residents. Multi-tiered, rustic residences are appropriate for larger families and evoke a Swiss Family Robinson feel. “One gourd” dwellings are cozy and earthy — perfect for the bachelor fairy. If medieval stone is more your thing, we have something for you. No matter what your style preference — Victorian, prairie, mid-century modern — you will find something that appeals to you.

New additions to this year’s fairy fest are:

• Fairy Wands  We will open the Shake Rag vault of sparkly thingamabobs allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind magic wand. ($3/wand)
• Fairy Photos A professional photographer will be on hand each day from 10 a.m.-noon to capture your special fairy in an enchanted fairy backdrop. Dress up in your fairy finest or borrow some wings from Shake Rag’s fairy closet. ($10/photo)
• Fairy Tale Story Time  The author of “The Little Girl Who Shined Just Right” will provide readings.
• Moonlight Tour and Cocktail Party   On Saturday night May 23rd from 8-10:00 p.m., the fairies will be lighting their homes allowing everyone to see inside. A special Fairy Cocktail in light-up champagne flutes will be served. ($5 admission, cocktails not included)

For more information, visit www.ShakeRagAlley.com or call 608-987-3292.

– Contributed by the Hays