Why does it seem like all summer activities and events are geared towards kids and families?
Don’t the grown ups deserve an opportunity to relax and have fun without having to settle arguments, clean up messes and be bombarded by requests?
As an official “Kid-free Zone,” Treetop Lodge in Oxford, understands adults need a day away to play.
That’s why Treetop Lodge, located at 3333 Jonathan Rd., is hosting its First Annual Unicorn Festival on Saturday, June 25 from 8:30 a.m. until 8 p.m.
“We’re billing it as a field day for adults,” said Connie Miller, lodge manager and festival coordinator. “Let’s face it, life is wall-to-wall stress for a lot of folks. Going to work every day, raising kids, paying bills, running errands. It seems like it never ends.”
“That’s why we created the Unicorn Festival – to give adults a break,” she said. “Adults should be able to have at least one day this summer to call their own.”
The Unicorn Festival will include an array of artisan vendors and demonstrations; freshly-prepared food, opportunities to sample craft beers, wines and premium cigars, scrapbooking, a craft supply swap/sale and games like Giant Yahtzee.
“There’s a little something for everyone,” Miller said. “We want people to really indulge themselves. That means enjoying what they already love and exploring new things.”
All the food for the Unicorn Festival will be prepared by Miller, the host of “Connie’s Kitchen” on Oxford Community Television (OCTV).
“Here at the Lodge, we don’t serve frozen or pre-prepared foods,” she said. “Every appetizer, every meal, every dessert is made fresh. I enjoy creating new tastes and giving classic recipes a unique twist.
“Eating should be an experience that evokes memories and creates new ones. That’s why we serve everything from comfort food to gourmet fare.”
At 1 p.m., there will be an outdoor wedding ceremony followed by cake for all.
“A local couple has graciously agreed to be married by one of our resident Unicorns, who was recently ordained on-line,” Miller said. “It may sound a little strange to those unfamiliar with the Lodge, but here, it’s just another day.”
Why Unicorns?
“Unicorns are the Lodge’s mascots,” Miller explained. “Unicorns are fun and silly. And you never know where they’re going to pop up. Unicorns represent that whimsical side that many of us lose touch with as we grow older.”
“We have about 30 Unicorn masks at the Lodge and we’re always encouraging people to try them on,” she said. “Some folks are a little hesitant at first, but once they do it, they really get into the spirit of things. They start dancing around, posing for photos and behaving mischievously.
“It’s amazing the power these masks have to bring people out of their shells and allow them to express themselves in fun and unexpected ways.”
Event schedule and prices
9 a.m. – The all-day scrap and crop begins. Lunch and dinner are included. $45 per participant.
12 p.m. Lunch in Connie’s Kitchen is $15.
1 p.m. Unicorn wedding. All welcome to attend. Free wedding cake.
3-5 p.m. Wine sampling and appetizers with Dean Rondy, owner of Oxford Wine & Beverage and a certified sommelier. $15.
5 p.m. Dinner in Connie’s Kitchen. $20.
6-8 p.m. Craft beers, hand-rolled cigars and sweet treats with Dean Rondy. $25.
All-Day Unicorn Games. $5. All proceeds from the Unicorn Games will go to the K-9 Stray Rescue League based in Oxford.
An All-Day Pass for the Unicorn Festival is available for $70 in advance and $75 at the gate, which excludes the all-day scrap and crop event.
For those wishing to simply browse the selection of artisan vendors, admission is free. However, donations of dog food, dog beds, newspapers, dog toys and cash are welcome and will be given to the K-9 Stray Rescue League.
Vendor space is available
Artisans wishing to sell their goods and demonstrate their products can rent booth space for $20. A portion of the proceeds from the vendor space rentals will go directly to the K-9 Stray Rescue League.
Contact information
For more information, please call Connie Miller at (248) 933-4579 or e-mailstormy3958@att.net.
Treetop’s website is www.treetoplodge-oxford.com. Visit the Lodge on Facebook at “Treetop Lodge – Oxford.”
Treetop Lodge has been open since November 2013. It is a 5,000-square-foot private home located on scenic grounds tucked away in the woods.
It hosts a variety of functions including weekend retreats, scrapbooking and crafting events, seven-course wine and beer dinners, murder mysteries, game nights, small weddings and receptions, wedding showers, baby showers, birthday, anniversary and holiday parties, family gatherings and much more.
The lodge is also capable of accommodating seminars, meetings, church groups, social clubs, civic organizations and charity functions.
For those interested in overnight stays, Treetop Lodge is capable of sleeping up to 20 people. Each room has a different theme and feel.