On Saturday, Sept 20th, I had the honor of going to the Party of Special Magnificence hosted by Halfling Events to celebrate Bilbo's 111th Birthday. There we learned how to English dance (with Appalachian versions) and got to have treats, dinner and meet many fellow folk! We met a very sweet person named Anna, who had come alone and was sitting by themselves, so my mother and I invited them to join our table and we hit it off after that. We had so much in common and I'm elated to say I left that day with a new friend. There was also a tour through the old forest with ranger outposts and a Nazgul looking for Frodo and the ring, you had to stay still while they were sniffing and some of us almost cracked up with laughter and got caught! There was merriment and fireworks after Bilbo's Birthday speech, and many more storytelling and activities for the younglings as well. Including potato contests, which had many categories and our friend won the Longest Potato Award! I left that night feeling happy and looking forward to the event next year, see you in 2026 Party of Special Magnificence!