Cedar Valley Waldorf School is set to be invaded by gnomes.
On Saturday, Dec. 7, the Grade 1 classroom will be transformed into a gnome paradise full of treasure and adventures for the dwarf-like creatures - and for the children who pass through their kingdom.
Tireless volunteers have sewn together close to 200 gnomes to add a touch of magic to the Valleycliffe school's annual Christmas Fair. Kristen Andrews is one of them. The past few weeks have felt like working in Santa's workshops, she joked.
"We make it really beautiful," Andrews said of the mini-tour, before noting her children still talk about their first time visiting gnome land five years ago.
More than 70 people donate their time to the community event with the aim of creating experience that reflects the joy of Christmas, Andrews said. There will be a wide range of activities for fair-goers young and old, including beeswax candle dipping and wreath making.
"It works on all the senses, the smells, taste, touch and sound," she said. "For the children it is not about what can I get, it is about how can I experience this."
Musicians will fill the air with festive tunes and traditional German barbecued bratwurst will tempt taste buds as an outdoor fire warms hands and toes. Freshly made pretzels and gelato will also be served.
The Ice Queen is set to visit, handing children little goodies. The school will be decorated and a market will cover the first floor, full of handmade toys and crafts.
"It just speaks to the soul," Andrews said of the fair. "A lot of energy goes into preparing it."
The fair will include its ever-popular cookie room. One at a time, children can enter the room to take a cookie, which are all dangling from the ceiling. When they tug on them, they get the treat and a sprinkle of pixie dust.
"The parents have put so much thought into [the fair]," Andrews said.
Volunteers are still needed, she noted. Anyone interested can email [email protected].
