By Lola Olvera, ENC Communications Intern
Where else could you see a hawk up close while sporting a painted caterpillar on your face but at the ENC’s annual spring faire? For 12 years we’ve taken a sunny May day and packed it full of fun fair activities-this year is no different.
Join us on May 7 and experience a Youth Art Show, native plant sale, crafts, face painting, sing alongs with local performers, nature games, live native animals and delicious food and beverages from local restaurants.
Our butterfly house, the only one of its kind in Orange County, will have its grand re-opening at the Spring Faire; it’s a tradition we’ve carried on for years. Visitors can observe Orange County native butterflies interacting with locally native host and nectar plants.
While watching the butterflies, pick your favorite native plant and take one home at our native plant sale. Having native plants around your home attracts beautiful butterflies and birds, saves water, reduces pesticide use, and gives your home a splash of color.
With the purchase of a $5 reusable ENC bag, participants can join in on the Craft Crawl, presented by Girl Scout Troop 2917. This year’s crafts feature endangered wildlife from California, such as Salt Marsh Bird’s Beak, San Mateo Thorn Mint, the Green Sea Turtle, Northern Spotted Owl, the Wolverine and the El Segundo Blue Butterfly.
Craft animals not enough? Check out live hawks and owls brought to us by the OC Bird of Prey Center and a menagerie of arthropods courtesy of Francisco the Bug Guy.
If you’re in the mood for some art, you can take a walk by our Youth Art Showcase featuring art by children age 4 to 18. This year’s theme is “Creativity and Climate Change.” Alternatively, if you’d like to become a work of art yourself, seek the skills of one of our face painters and henna artists, who will be around to paint critters and beautiful designs on fair-goers’ faces, feet and hands.
Come on over to the Fire Circle Stage for some local performers. At 10:45 a.m. the Young Singers of Orange County will perform; at 12:45 p.m. guests can enjoy a live Bird of Prey presentation; at 11:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. children can sing along with Save the Queen Green. The Metropolitan Water District will also conduct a presentation on California’s drought.
After a long day of fun, get a bite to eat at the ENC’s “Savor OC,” featuring eateries such as Damasq Cafe, Rita’s Ice Custard Happiness, Kean Coffee, Sensitive Sweets, White House Catering, Pie-Not, Three Seventy Common, and Al’s New York Cafe. If you’re a local restaurant or catering company, let us know if you’d like to participate.
Over 3,000 people are expected to attend our spring faire; we hope you’re one of them! Learn more HERE.
For sponsorship opportunities, click HERE.