How to go
What: American Girl Valentine Tea Party, Sunday, Feb. 9 at noon and 3:30 p.m.
Where: Miamisburg Senior Adult Center, 305 E. Central Ave., Miamisburg
How: Cost is $12 per person, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required by calling (937) 866-4532 or online at www.PlayMiamisburg.com. Deadline to register is Feb. 7.
Caroline Chaulk, 11-year-old daughter of Sheila Russell, recreation programmer for the City of Miamisburg’s Parks and Recreation, was the inspiration in 2011 for an American Girl Tea Party here in the Miami Valley. It was so successful that it became an annual event, and this year, there will be two seatings on Sunday, Feb. 9, for the fourth annual American Girl Tea.
“American Girl dolls are very popular, and my daughter had just gotten her first one and loved her,” said Russel. “The closest store was and is in Chicago, although there’s one coming to Columbus. I thought it was a shame that people had to travel all that way to have a tea with their doll, and felt there was a need to provide something here in Miamisburg.”
The first tea was planned to seat 25 people, “but it filled and we kept taking people and ended up with 70,” Russell said. “Last year, we had 80; it was getting so big that this year, we split it into two seatings, one at noon, another at 3:30 p.m.”
Caroline, who was just eight when the first tea party was held, now helps with the event. “She loves to get the baskets with tea and hot chocolate ready and put them on the tables — and of course, she’s attended every one.”
Girls bring one of their American Girl dolls or another favorite doll and come in their party dresses, often dressed like an American Girl doll, along with mothers, grandmothers, aunts — and sometimes even younger brothers. “It’s so nice to see inter-generational groups at the tables.”
The party isn’t limited to Miamisburg residents; according to Russell, girls come from all over the Miami Valley and beyond.
“A full tea is served with tea sandwiches. The girls have their photos taken with their dolls, then make frames for the pictures to take home.
“A dozen American Girl dolls will be on display and a little history will be presented on the dolls.
“This is a good time of year to have the tea — the holidays are over and not much happens until spring.”
Added to the popular event this year is a raffle for Isabelle Palmer, the American Girl Doll of the Year; each guest will receive a raffle ticket. According to Russell, there will be other new twists to this year’s tea party, but they’ll remain secret until the event.
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