The South East region is home to one of the longest-running ADF festivals.
Begun in 1999, Trillium ADF Spring Gathering is held in Virginia annually on the third weekend in April. Originally founded by members of Little Acorn Grove, ADF (sadly now defunct), it was organized by that Grove for several years. In time a committee of ADF members from MD, DC, and VA was formed to take over the coordination. Though there have been additions and changes to the membership of the committee, the core group has been the same since taking over from Little Acorn Grove. Several of the festival's founders still attend and assist with the festival. Trillium's organizers have been committed to involving Groves and ProtoGroves from across the region in the festival.
Some of the most attractive aspects of Trillium are the opportunities for community and conversation. The relatively small size of the festival (rarely more than 150 attendees) encourages people to engage in meaningful dialog around the fire and over shared meals. Over the years regular attendees have started families and their children now regularly attend. This has led to a full track of children's programming and children are often involved in the rituals. Trillium is one of the more family-friendly Pagan festivals.
About the site:
Trillium is currently held at Thor's Hollow Retreat in Cross Junction, VA. The campground is owned by two long-time ADF and general Pagan community members. Originally Trillium was held at Prince William Forest Park in cabin camp #5.
"Trillium - fun times, great workshops, good food, wonderful weather - woof!" ~ Rev. Kirk Thomas, ADF ArchDruid Emeritus
"Trillium is the place I go to be comfortable with my friends, my folk, and the Spirits. It's a place of bright fires, warm hospitality, and quiet conversation. It is as intimate as it is organizational, and well-balanced for anyone looking to either stick a toe into the ADF International waters, or looking to belly-flop into the craziness that connects us to one another." ~Rev. Michael J Dangler
"What I enjoy most about Trillium is the community atmosphere and how much time the festival group spends together, whether it's at a meal, workshop, or the Bardic circle! I love how family friendly it is as well, I can bring my daughter and know that she will have a great time and a safe time with the other children at the camp. Definitely a must do in my festival schedule." ~ Rev. Sara Blackwelder, Manatee Oak ProtoGrove, ADF in Florida
"Trillium offers a great sense of community, even to someone coming in for the first time. As a parent I was glad to see so many young kids too! I enjoyed the blend of solemn ritual focus and informed camp and irreverence I witnessed at Trillium. In other words, these folks have serious work to do and can allow themselves to have a good time doing it." ~ Madame Onca O'Leary, The Hardest Working Woman in Show Business & Author of World Spirit Tarot
Begun in 1999, Trillium ADF Spring Gathering is held in Virginia annually on the third weekend in April. Originally founded by members of Little Acorn Grove, ADF (sadly now defunct), it was organized by that Grove for several years. In time a committee of ADF members from MD, DC, and VA was formed to take over the coordination. Though there have been additions and changes to the membership of the committee, the core group has been the same since taking over from Little Acorn Grove. Several of the festival's founders still attend and assist with the festival. Trillium's organizers have been committed to involving Groves and ProtoGroves from across the region in the festival.
Some of the most attractive aspects of Trillium are the opportunities for community and conversation. The relatively small size of the festival (rarely more than 150 attendees) encourages people to engage in meaningful dialog around the fire and over shared meals. Over the years regular attendees have started families and their children now regularly attend. This has led to a full track of children's programming and children are often involved in the rituals. Trillium is one of the more family-friendly Pagan festivals.
About the site:
Trillium is currently held at Thor's Hollow Retreat in Cross Junction, VA. The campground is owned by two long-time ADF and general Pagan community members. Originally Trillium was held at Prince William Forest Park in cabin camp #5.
"Trillium - fun times, great workshops, good food, wonderful weather - woof!" ~ Rev. Kirk Thomas, ADF ArchDruid Emeritus
"Trillium is the place I go to be comfortable with my friends, my folk, and the Spirits. It's a place of bright fires, warm hospitality, and quiet conversation. It is as intimate as it is organizational, and well-balanced for anyone looking to either stick a toe into the ADF International waters, or looking to belly-flop into the craziness that connects us to one another." ~Rev. Michael J Dangler
"What I enjoy most about Trillium is the community atmosphere and how much time the festival group spends together, whether it's at a meal, workshop, or the Bardic circle! I love how family friendly it is as well, I can bring my daughter and know that she will have a great time and a safe time with the other children at the camp. Definitely a must do in my festival schedule." ~ Rev. Sara Blackwelder, Manatee Oak ProtoGrove, ADF in Florida
"Trillium offers a great sense of community, even to someone coming in for the first time. As a parent I was glad to see so many young kids too! I enjoyed the blend of solemn ritual focus and informed camp and irreverence I witnessed at Trillium. In other words, these folks have serious work to do and can allow themselves to have a good time doing it." ~ Madame Onca O'Leary, The Hardest Working Woman in Show Business & Author of World Spirit Tarot