Pinkies up! Tea Time at Broadway Books
Gwen Akers
The Ashland Beacon
Pinkies up! It is time for cucumber sandwiches, sugar cubes, and matching outfits with the American Girl Doll Tea Party at Broadway Books on June 25, from 1-3 p.m.
Inspired by the donations they received of American Girl doll books, co-owners Jill Donta and Nancy Miller decided that this community needed more opportunities and experiences for young children.
“We were thinking what to do with these, and then it was kind of like, ‘Why don’t we have a tea party!’” exclaimed Jill Donta, a retired teacher and co-owner of Broadway Books.
For years, the matching outfits, cute pets, accessories, and inspiring stories behind American Girl dolls have captivated young children everywhere. Whether these dolls are an extension of self or an inspiration for the future, these dolls are an integral part of many children’s lives. With this event, Broadway Books hopes to create an experience that will be unforgettable for these young children while bringing together the community. They hope they can create experiences that target younger children and provide them with the opportunities many may not have. Ever since its opening, Broadway Books has been all about community involvement and providing opportunities and experiences unique to our area.
“A lot of kids have American Girl dolls, but the closest place to go where you can have any of those experiences is in Columbus, so we thought, what better way than to have a little American girl doll themed party for kids that have those dolls,” commented Donta.
Participants will have the chance to get gussied up at the nail salon or give their doll a new look at the hair salon. The party will also feature a picture booth (with props!), a selfie station, and, of course, tea party snacks and drinks–catered by local restaurant, The Mill. Participants will also walk away with three American Girl doll books. Matching outfits crafted by a local seamstress will also be available for purchase, so the girls and their dolls can enjoy tea in style.
“We just want to create experiences,” commented Donta.
Co-owner Nancy Miller was not only inspired by the influx of American girl doll books they were receiving but also by her own grandchildren.
“Especially the four-year-old [who] takes hers everywhere with her, and it was really exciting to her to have an event that she could do with her doll, that includes her doll, because she includes her doll in her life,” commented co-owner Nancy Miller.
Tickets are $40 apiece, and each child must be accompanied by an adult. No ticket purchase is necessary for the accompanying adult unless they would like to eat. Due to limited space, those interested should check out the Broadway Books Facebook page to register and secure their ticket for the tea party.
This is just one of many community-oriented events that Broadway Books is hosting. Those interested should check out their Facebook page for more information, and keep an eye out for their upcoming Harry Potter Birthday Party event.