A gray-stoned mermaid water fountain decorated the center of Altar Books Shoppe while children, teens and adults roamed around in their purple, pink, blue and black fairy clothing.
All gathered for “Faery Festival: A Celebration of All Things Faery” on March 30 in support of the newly formed Kern County Pagan Pride chapter.
“We’ve been working toward it for about a month and just became legal last week,” said Katie Olivares, co-owner of Altar Books Shoppe.
According to Olivares, many people who would come into the store suggested that they should have a Pagan Pride Day, but it wasn’t until an incident involving a noose being hung from the store’s door brought about the new chapter.
“That, for me, was a little bit of a push,” said Olivares.
Last October, Olivares and other Pagans gathered to raise “energy and support for the victims of the Southern California wildfires,” which resulted in the unfavorable gesture.
After that, Olivares said, “Something needs to be done. Now is a good time. Let’s do this,” and her fellow Pagans around her agreed.
According to paganpride.org, celebrations occur between Aug. 9 and Oct. 19 and consist of at least a public ritual for networking, a food drive for charity, and press releases or media to cause people to acknowledge their existence.
Faery Fest had it all, including tarot readings, raffles, crafts (such as birdhouse making), Faery tales for the children, special speakers and demonstrations, as well as a Faery market, costume contest, local artists, music and tribal underground belly dancers.
“Let the fairies have fun,” said one of the dancers as she joined the rest in dance.
Though the festival did not occur during the usual time of the year, Faery Fest was included to raise funds for the chapter and future events.
“So, we can do a Pagan Pride Day to build awareness and to build tolerance and acceptance of Pagan religions,” said Olivares. “Hopefully, all religions,” she added.
According to Olivares, “‘Pagan’ is an umbrella term” for anyone whose beliefs are Earth centered and believes in more than one god, goddess or deity.
“And the Earth-centered people follow the cycles of the year and the solstices, the equinox, and what the Earth is going through,” said Olivares.
There are a few misconceptions about the Pagan religion, said Olivares. These misconceptions include devil worshipping and having no morals or ethics.
“I do what’s right in my heart,” said Olivares, “and I work hard to not hurt anybody.”
Also, according to Olivares, some people think pagans are not religious.
“We’re very religious and very spiritual,” Olivares attempted to clarify.
However, Olivares believes that Faery Fest was successful in providing funds for more events. It had cost $15 in advance, $20 in costume at the door, and $25 with no costume at the door.
They will be celebrating Mayday on May 3-4 by blessing summer’s return and the return of the flowers, crops and animals.
Olivares said anyone interested in having his or her animal blessed is welcome to bring it.
“Hope to see a horse or two,” added Olivares.