Girls of Carmichael Become Princesses for a Day

Little girls donned princess dresses on Saturday at the for an afternoon of royal fun.

Ranging in ages 1 to 6-years-old, many of the girls arrived in frilly princess party attire, while others were free to try on princess dresses provided at the party. Even adults got into the swing of things with one arriving as Marie Antoinette.

Party coordinator Elizabeth Crisante said the original guest list of 20 girls was expanded to 25.

"The response was overwhelming and we've been planning this since last summer," Crisante said, adding that this was the first princess party the has organized.

"Disney princesses are so in right now," she said.

Crisante was assisted by Kelly Mezger and Megan Graham during the party and hired Kimberly Peterson from a children's event planning company called Once Upon a Princess to run the activities. Peterson brought two adult-sized princesses in the form of Snow White (Heather Benner) and Princess Belle (Gessa Taylor) to help with the festivities.

As each princess arrived, she walked down a roped path to meet Snow White and Princess Belle. Some girls walked eagerly toward the famous princesses to hug them, while others shyly stared in awe and wonder, surprised to see their favorite Disney characters.

A coronation ceremony kicked off the party where Snow White introduced each princess: "Ladies and Gentlemen, I present Princess-" followed by the girl's name. Each girl walked across a red-carpeted stage amid flashing light bulbs to be presented with a tiara by Princess Belle.

Face painting followed the coronation ceremony where Snow White and Belle painted colorful images such as flowers, animals, and rainbows. When the princesses weren't getting their faces painted, they were coloring princess pictures.

When asked what her favorite part of the party was so far, Princess Aubrey said, "getting my face painted". Her face was adorned with a unicorn that was painted by Snow White.

After face painting, the princesses enjoyed cookies and punch at decorated tables including a centerpiece with a custom-made wand for each girl. The princesses were then led to the crafts table where they made a variety of colorful foam magnets.

A pink frilly backdrop in the corner was provided for photographs and balloons were supplied for a fun session of balloon animal making.

To make the party memorable, each princess left with gifts and a Certificate of Royalty.

Sharon Reneau, who had come with her friends and their daughters, and who happens to work for CRPD said, "Now we have to have a monster truck party for the boys".

Crisante felt the party was a success. "It seems like they're all having fun," she said. "We could probably do this again next year."