MOUNT VERNON — When downtown vendors announced they would celebrate Mr. Bilbo Baggins’ eleventy-first birthday with a party of special magnificence, there was much talk and excitement in Mount Vernon.
On Saturday, hundreds of hobbits, elves, dwarves and adventurers gathered for the second annual Middle-Earth March in Mount Vernon.
The event, inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” transformed downtown into a nook of Middle-Earth.
Participating downtown vendors offered special activities and Hobbit-inspired experiences throughout the event.
A Shire Street Fair on West Vine Street included an archery range and local artists selling Tolkien-inspired goods.
The hunt for Gollum
The day’s adventure included a passport event that sent participants on a hunt for the mysterious creature himself.
Nine Gollums hidden were hidden at participating downtown businesses. Adventurers were challenged to spot each one and collect all nine stamps to be entered into a raffle.
For those seeking more adventure, nine optional side quests were offered for adventuring party’s to complete.
These quests included everything from Frodo Flinger at Angry Acre Farm & Sweet Street to Smeagol’s Fishing Spot at Dancing Bee Market & Studio.
Festivities also included a costume contest at Happy Street Brü Werks.
(Here are Alexandra Hopkins’ photos of the day’s events.)
