Una McFarlane and her great-grandaughter Kara Cote, 2, had fun playing at last year's Princess Tea at the Elder Citizens Recreation Association. This year's tea is for princes and princesses on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.
Little princes and princesses are invited to dress in their best royal attire and gather with parents, grand parents and great-grandparents for the annual Prince and Princess Tea and Parade at the Elder Citizen Recreation Association (ECRA) Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.
Last year's tea saw 100 attend and the organizing committee is expecting the same number this year.
"There was about 35 children last year and of course they bring their moms or dads or grandparents or next door neighbours or aunties and everyone really gets into it," said Barb Claffey, committee chair for the tea and parade. "Even the adults dressed up. What we did find was people dressed for the occasion, with the men in suits and ladies in dresses, and that was a nice surprise. It was very sweet the way it was done and the adults really did honour the children. It was lovely."
This year, there's a special guest attending.
"We have a royal princess coming to tea," said Claffey. "Kristie Girard, Miss Teen Prince George, who is a Miss Teen Canada-World pageant finalist who will compete in Toronto in July. She is just absolutely lovely and we look forward to her appearance wearing her tiara and her sash. She will be interacting with the children and what a lovely role model she makes."
Last year's event saw several multi-generational families attending, even as many as four generations were able to come together for the Prince and Princess Tea and Parade, Claffey said.
"It was so precious to see them all at the tea," said Claffey.
There will be a craft table where children can create decorative boxes they can take home with them, there's a fish pond that is a perennial favourite, and games of musical chairs and participants will get prizes for playing, she added. There is also a children's thrift store where parents can browse through gently-used clothing at reasonable prices and an opportunity to pose for individual or family portraits.
There will also be a silent auction with items suitable for all ages.
"There will be lots of lovely goodies for adults and children and also a gift for each child as they come through the door," said Claffey.
Refreshments include coffee, tea, or juice, sandwiches and decorated cupcakes.
The grand finale will be the Prince and Princess Parade led by Girard.
Tickets are $5 in advance, available at ECRA, 1692 Tenth Avenue, or by calling 250-563-9381.
Proceeds of the event will go toward the Elder Citizens Recreation Centre's operating costs.
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