The Spring Fair
The Spring Fair is held in Stonetop each year at the spring equinox. It is much anticipated by the local region, with visitors coming from as far away as Marshedge. It celebrates the end of winter and the coming of spring and all the growth and hope that holds.
A hallmark of the festivities are the garlands of wildflowers that adorn the lintels of all the houses in the village, and it is common for people to wear wreaths of flowers on their heads or clothing. The distillers of Stonetop use this as the perfect opportunity to roll out their barrels and offer samples to any who pass by, competing to see who has the most delicious or strongest whisky. The ovens begin working early in the morning and do not stop until the festival is over, with the public house tables laden with homemade foods and sweets for people to enjoy.
There are many activities, both formal and informal. Ceremonies are held at noon in the Pavilion of the Gods to thank them for guiding the village through the winter and request their guidance for the coming year. There visitors can receive benedictions from the priests and listen to sermons extolling the virtues of the respective deities.
Each year a tug-of-war tournament is held in the morning, with teams facing off in the village square and competing to see who can emerge triumphant. Additionally, a wrestling competition takes place in the afternoon where people try to pin down their opponents or throw them out of the ring. Often there is betting on the games, with outsiders staking small numbers of coin and Stonetop villagers putting up watch hours. While this is not strictly approved there is little oversight.
Throughout the day anyone with an instrument can play in the square and often there are people dancing and spinning in time to the music. Indeed this is a favourite activity for couples, and often they will steal away to the edges of the village to spend some time in each other's company.