Little girls dress up for annual tea party event

PHOTO BY BILL McDONALD Sue Ellen Bumpus entertained girls with a story during the annual Teddy Bear Tea Party.

Forty girls, ages 4 through 8, gathered recently at the historic Abel Building to enjoy afternoon tea at the Keystone Square Museum's annual Teddy Bear Tea Party.

The annual event features storytelling, an etiquette lesson, party favors and "high tea."

Sue Ellen Bumpus read "Blossom and Boo: A Story About Best Friends" by Dawn Apperley. Carol Wright gave the group some tips on manners, including how to place the napkin -- in the lap, folded side out toward the knees.

The afternoon tea included apple juice, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pimento cheese sandwiches, cookies and party mints, all donated by volunteers.

Leslie Shroyer and Karleigh Vann, members of the National Honor Society, helped with the event.