By Desiree Johnson
Killeen Daily Herald
When the leaves start turning green, weather warms up and spring finally rolls around, it feels like magic is in the air; this Saturday's Ostara Fest is ready to make things feel a whole lot more magical.
A celebration of spring, the event at Club Rodeo in Harker Heights will be hosted by new-age gift shop Sisters of the Earth and Sea and will bring vendors and participants from all over the country.
"You've heard of 'Keep Austin Weird,'" said Laurie Roach, co-owner of Sisters of the Earth and Sea. "Well, we're trying to keep Central Texas eclectic."
Ostara Fest has been planned around Ostara, a pagan festival that, over time, created many of the symbols we associate with the traditional Easter celebration, such as pastel colors, rabbits and eggs.
Ostara occurs when the sun moves into the sign of Aries and on the spring equinox, when light and dark are perfectly balanced.
Ostara Fest provides "an opportunity to see a different kind of festival," said Joyce Burns, co-owner of Sisters of the Earth and Sea. "It's a good, laid-back event that's family oriented."
Vendors will offer everything from books and artwork to swords, stones and even face-painting. Participants can meet and take workshops from famous pagan authors Ellen Dugan, M.R. Sellars and Dorothy Morrison.
"These are national authors that aren't always easy to see," said Stephanie Zbiegien, Sisters of the Earth and Sea employee and Ostara Fest coordinator. "If nothing else, there's going to be lots of good stuff to buy, belly dancers and magic tricks. All sorts of great stuff to see and do."
Organizers say the response has been overwhelming.
"We're bringing lots of people who have never been to this area of Texas before," Burns said. "We wanted the event to be open to all families and affordable, and so far, we've gotten a great response from the community."
For $5, families can take part in all the festival's activities (including a festival-opening drumming circle – just B.Y.O.D.), and the ticket price includes admission to Club Rodeo later that night.
For beginning and experienced pagans, it's an opportunity to learn and socialize with others who follow your faith. For non-pagans, the festival could serve as a learning experience.
"We're all just searching for an open acceptance of a higher power," Burns said. "This is a great way to understand that these people are just like you."
Burns and Roach say they want the festival to be welcoming.
"This festival is an original celebration of the honor of spring and is for all spiritual paths," Roach said. "It's for anyone who wants to have a bit of lighthearted fun."
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Club Rodeo, 702 Edwards Drive in Harker Heights.
For more information and to schedule appointments for tarot card readings, call Sisters of the Earth and Sea at (254) 698-2171 or visit
www.sistersofearthandsea.com.
Contact Desiree Johnson at
djohnson@kdhnews.com or call (254) 501-7559