Life is change. From the cradle to the grave, our ability to adapt, to learn and grow and change to the world we find ourselves living in, is essential; however, when we are born, we have no skills. We look to our parents to teach us how to live in this world. How to adapt and thrive. How to find happiness and succeed. The Faire, like any other newborn, relied on her parents for security. Zander Greene and Ember Farina founded Fantasy Faire in 2009. Together, they brought her into this world and nurtured her through her first three years, growing the Faire into a successful fantasy focused shopping event benefiting Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.
In 2012, the Faire had to adapt. I replaced Ember when other obligations pulled her away from Second Life. I was introduced as the Executive Director of Fantasy Faire. It was a title created to command respect in a business oriented environment. In reality, in other words, on the Fairelands, I became a beloved stepmother. Zander and I have been partners in parenting the Faire for the past eleven years. Together we planted the seeds of a mythos that placed the Faire on the path to what she is today, an immersive fantasy experience with a loving, active community.
The Faire has grown into a huge endeavor that encompasses months of preparation by hundreds of people. I strongly believe that every contribution made, big or small, is reflected in the overall experience we have as a community at the Faire each year. Everyone has value and should know that their presence as world builder, creator, performer, writer, artist, photographer, security, organizer, or visitor contributes to what we as a whole call the Fairelands.
Our ranks may change and shift. We will expand and welcome new Fairelanders who land upon our shores. We will adapt as people in our community are called away to other areas of focus, or as is inevitable, leave us completely, but we will endure. Together, we are the Fairelands. Together we relay forward.
Personally though, I will feel the absence of Zander Greene at my side. I hope that he will be here next year for the return of the Fairelands in one way or another, but I know that it will not be the same. I don’t like change, but I will adapt. Thank you for being with me this far. Now it is time for you to take your own path. I will miss you, partner. I hope to see you on the other side of the Mysts.
Fantasy Faire 