GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. --A historical Grand Rapids landmark opened to the public this weekend to raise money for the Grand Rapids Symphony Education Program.
Those who visited the Brookby Estate on Plymouth Road were able to tour the home, bid on artwork and catch a glimpse of its enchanted gardens.
The Brookby Estate was built in 1927 and after passing through several owners, it's now home to Aquinas's President, Juan Olivarez and his wife Mary. This weekend, the couples home was transformed from an eight-acre estate, to a dream-like fairyland.
"We just let people do what inspired them," said Julie Connors, the immediate past-president of the Women's Committee.
Inspired by nature and fit for a fairy, The Brookby Enchanted Fairy Garden Walk is a fundraiser put on by the Grand Rapids Symphony Women's Committee to help support the growth of the symphony and further music education.
"The Women's Committee is a wonderful group of women who are very passionate about the symphony and passionate about music," said Lori Curley, a past president of the Women's Committee of the Grand Rapids Symphony.
Local artists and designers created 41 fairy homes to display at the Brookby estate, 26 of which will be sold through a silent auction.
With live orchestra music, a scavenger hunt, story-tellers, and fairies, there was something for everyone, especially those with an imagination.
"We have fairies wondering around that will be in the gardens," Curley said.
"The most fun thing has been seeing the delight of kids and adults alike that walk out of the garden and say it was like magic," Connor said.
The event opened June 5th and will go through June 14th at the Brookby home at 250 Plymouth Road SE at Robinson Avenue.
Next week, the fundraiser runs from 1-6 p.m. Thursday June 11 through Saturday, June 13 and 11-4 p.m. Sunday, June 14th.
Tickets are $12 adults, $5 kids, available for purchase online at BrookbyEnchanted.eventbrite.com
For more information on the Brookby Estate click here
