Local youth got a taste of the magical world of Once Upon a Time at a Sunday afternoon princess party.
About 40 kids showed up Feb. 24 dolled up in elaborate costumes to meet Cinderella and Snow White at Innisfail Boston Pizza, making for a dazzling display of dresses, sparkles and wide eyes.
Brooke Nimmo, 6, was delighted to be able to literally look up to the Disney characters in person.
ìI got to hug them and meet them,î she said. ìThey're so pretty.î
She attended the event dressed up as Jasmine, a character from Aladdin, while her older sister Kylee was outfitted as Aurora, the heroine of Sleeping Beauty.
For eight-year-old Kylee, the party reminded her of a vacation down south when she was younger.
ìI went to Disneyland and I saw them when I was really little,î she said. ìIt was exciting to see them again.î
Many children eat, sleep and breathe Disney Princesses, making the afternoon particularly enchanting.
Madison Chant, 5, was even in the middle of playing a Cinderella game on her LeapPad educational tablet at a table in the restaurant.
Taking pictures with Cinderella was the best part of the day, she said.
ìShe has the same colour eyes as me,î she noted in a matter-of-fact way while taking a bite of dessert.
Event manager Tammy Gallant, a Boston Pizza supervisor, was glad the event went smoothly.
ìIt was really nice to see them so happy,î she said. ìIt was great to watch their dreams to meet a princess come true.î
The Boston Pizza restaurant in Olds had the same event two weeks prior and it was a smashing success, she said.
ìOlds wanted to try something new,î she said. ìI thought it was a great idea.î
At that event children lined up out the door, one family drove for two hours out of town for the party and even a couple of boys gathered for pictures with the princesses.
ìIt was just magic,î she said. ìThey get to be a princess for a day with a real princess.î
The fantasy princess motif is timeless, she said, remembering how she would try on her mom's shoes and jewelry as a kid.
ìEvery little girl growing up wanted to be a princess,î she said.
Taylor Peitzsche, 7, arrived as Snow White, and was overjoyed to win a draw for decorative cakes.
ìWe had the little tickets, they said a number and we won them,î she said. ìOne had pink icing and one had purple icing.î
