Local princesses invited to Fairytale Tea Party

Little girls need to dust off their tiaras and air out their ball gowns: it’s nearly time for the Princess Fairytale Tea Party Experience.

As a fundraiser for the Distinguished Young Women of Northwest Alabama Program, princesses who are toddlers through sixth grade are invited to purchase a ticket for this royal event, which will be held at Rhoda P’s Restaurant, 312 N. Montgomery Ave., in Sheffield. Two sessions will be offered for the event, which is set for July 30: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (doors open at 10:15 a.m.) and 2-4 p.m. (doors open at 1:15 p.m.). Cost is $10 per person; mothers and grandmothers attending with their princesses must purchase a ticket.

The DYW Program has never undertaken the Princess Fairytale Tea Party before, but director Susan Hargett said the event was inspired by similar fundraisers in other areas. Attendees are invited to come dressed as their favorite princesses or in their best dressy attire. Favorite princesses like Tiana and Cinderella, portrayed by past DYW winners, will also attend the tea.

“Every young girl needs to always feel they are important and special,” said Franklin County Extension coordinator Katernia Cole-Coffey, one of the event organizers. “And it’s always good to be able to dress up, go out and have a good time.”

As part of the special tea party, princesses will practice tea party etiquette and enjoy refreshments, princess time, photo opportunities and more.

“We want them to have this fairytale experience,” Cole-Coffey said.

“They are going to enjoy getting to meet what they will think is a real-life princess,” Hargett added.

Tickets are on sale at the Franklin County Extension Office, 410 N. Jackson Ave., Russellville, in the courthouse basement, and at the Colbert County Extension Office. Deadline to purchase tickets is July 28. For more information call 256-386-8570; 256-332-8880; or 256-541-5674.