A land far, far away will be within reach of Peninsula princesses this month, when Star of the Sea Community Centre is transformed into the stuff fairy tales are made of for one magical day.
Girls between the ages of two and 11 are invited to dress in their best princess attire for the second annual Princess Party, where they can stroll down a magic carpet, meet Cinderella and be crowned with a tiara by a fairy godmother.
The Aug. 27 event will also feature a magic castle that has prizes to be won for every princess, a cakewalk, cookie decorating, an interactive story time, face painting and other fun games and surprises.
White Rock Youth Ambassadors will be on hand with simple makeup and hair accessories, and White Rock firefighters will serve up hot dogs and juice for a nominal fee.
The celebration is to be bigger and better than last year’s sell-out event, which drew more than 100 princesses and brought in $3,450 for White Rock firefighters’ fundraising campaign for Variety the Children’s Charity.
Organizer and local grandmother Myra Merkal – whose son, Evan Bird, is a White Rock firefighter – said this year’s venue can accommodate twice as many people as last year, and she hopes to raise $10,000.
This time, event proceeds will benefit White Rock Fire Fighters Charity Association’s efforts to create a destination park in White Rock that is accessible to people with disabilities, and can be utilized by children and adults alike.
But Princess Party isn’t just about fundraising or indulging in all things girly. It’s also an opportunity to teach children the importance of virtues such as compassion, consideration, caring and generosity, Merkal said.
“If all of us adults and all of the children were taught to live by values, there would be zero bullying in the schools,” she said. “Yes, we’re doing hair, and yes, we’re doing makeup and we’re providing a day of fun and magic and princesses, but… we’re hoping to teach children not only to recognize the beauty in them, but the beauty in others.”
A good example is also being set by those who are helping make the party reality, Merkal noted.
“It’s great for the little girls to see this, too, that we’re volunteering and we’re giving time and we want to help others.”
And, just like last year, the party is meant to reinforce young girls’ belief that dreams can come true.
“I have two little granddaughters and they’re the core and the key of the love of my life,” Merkal said. “It’s the most beautiful gift that I’ve ever received, having those two little girls, and I just want to do this so they have fun… and they believe in their dreams, and also that we’re doing this for a higher purpose,” she said.
“This is an event, if you have a little princess in your life, that you do not want her to miss.”
The Princess Party will be held from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at 15262 Pacific Ave.
Tickets ($25 for one princess and chaperone) can be purchased online at www.wrprincessparty.com or by visiting Remax Colonial Pacific Realty at 15414 24 Ave.
The website notes that “a special fairy godmother” wants to ensure all little girls are able to attend. Those requiring financial assistance can email Merkal at wrprincessparty@yahoo.ca
Merkal can also be contacted at the address for sponsorship and donations (items are still needed for a raffle table and decorations) or more information.