Magical fairies are returning to Orlando’s 50-acre botanical oasis this summer, bringing back a tradition that has enthralled visitors of all ages.
Leu Gardens will play host to the Fairy Doors for the seventh time, June 8-Sept. 7, inspiring summertime visits to the outdoor space where visitors can embark on a magical journey.
The exhibit was first conceived in 2018 by Tracy Micciche, the gardens’ events and marketing director, because her daughter, then 14, had an interest in fairies.
“My daughter loved fairies growing up; she was very much in that magical world of Fairyland,” Micciche said. “I had this idea of building fairy doors and having a little scavenger hunt in the gardens.”
Each of the fairies has a story, a job, a favorite flower and a name that draws on folklore and cultures from around the world. This year, the doors are all plant-themed.
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
A door belongs to Elida, the butterfly fairy, during the Fairy Doors exhibit at Leu Gardens in 2022. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
“There will be moon fairies and sun fairies, but their door is a plant,” Micciche said, noting one bonsai-themed door. “That’s going to be the cool factor this time, a little different than we’ve done before.”
The doors are crafted by City of Orlando employee Colin Worley, and are then sent to a local artist for painting and decoration.
This magical exhibit is meant to inspire a deeper relationship with the gardens.
“This helps you walk through the gardens and sometimes in places you’ve never been before,” Micciche said. “People are still coming back; it doesn’t matter what age they are. Those who have grown up with it are coming back as adults now, and I think that’s the coolest part of this exhibit. It spans all ages.”
The most rewarding part of putting this special showcase together is hearing the cheers of celebration throughout the 50-acre space.
“I can hear people yell that they found the fairy door. You’re in the gardens, you hear people say, ‘Yay!’” Micciche said. “There’s high fives, and it puts a smile on my face to know that we created something that is a great, memorable experience.”
Visit leugardens.org to learn more.
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
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