Despite the gloomy weather, over 150 people showed up March 23 to participate in Ithaca’s third annual Fairy Fest, which was held on The Commons. Over 30 small restaurants and businesses opened their doors to adults and children alike for the event, inviting families inside for activities such as face painting, wand making and fairy garden planting. Participants were encouraged to dress up as fairy, elf or woodland creatures.

“It’s not just a business,” Pichel said. “It’s also been a social experiment both for those of us behind the counter and those on the other side of the counter.”