The idea came from Evelyn Combres and was embraced by a group of women who decided to produce a positive event that would celebrate being a girl. St. Peter's Catholic Women's League committee members of Evelyn Combres, Bea Stephenson, Cherie Wagner, Elisa Bast, Bobbi-Jo Flanagan, Jaclyn Thompson and Kim Ducherer set out on this new adventure, not sure of the response they would get but perfectly pleased when all 200 tickets for the event sold out.
The committee said they wanted an event filled with activities, food, fun and friendship based around the theme of author Robert Munsch's book The Paper Bag Princess. The theme of the story is that outward appearances are not as important as the person you are on the inside and that every girl, regardless of age, should be made to feel like a princess.
The event was advertised as being for ages 0 -99. Organizers were pleased to have senior Sally Neigum attend along with a group of friends. And there were little girls as young as 10 months old in attendance. There were grandmothers and granddaughters, mothers and daughters and groups of playful friends in attendance. The only prince I saw was Father Johny and, although he looked suited for a Prince Charming role, he was doing his best bashful impersonation and did not stay in view for long.
Activities attendees could partake in were: sifting for gems, tattoos, makeup sessions, princess bingo, pin a kiss on the frog, enchanted forest beanbag toss and make-your-own-wand craft time.
The event began with the activities, followed by the tea. The girls crowded around Cinderella as she read The Paper Bag Princess story. The afternoon ended with all the girls being invited on stage to kick up their "magic slippers" with some dancing. There was a pretty, pink area set up to pose for your portrait session. The decorations were pastel, prominent and perfect as participants entered the parlor.
The positive feedback from the guests stated this event was" playful and pleasant," precious and priceless" and if they had one wish that day it would be that they "would be particularly pleased if the event became perennial."
The committee credits the success of the event to the committee and volunteers as well as the ladies who attended.
