Little girls got a chance to dress up and spend time with their fathers in a fun fairy tale themed tea party at Valley Park. The Father Daughter Beauty and the Beast Tea was held on Saturday, March 13, and offered a fun family bonding experience, as well as many photo opportunities with Beauty and the Beast. The famous couple were played by Ally Wall and Hunter Craig, who both attend Teays Valley Church of God. The Beast was in his human form, as some of the children were afraid of the character’s costume.

Besides enjoying tea and pastries provided by Valley Cakes & Cafe, the children made bracelets with their names on it and keychains for their parents. There was also dancing and other fun activities.

The tea party was hosted by Valley Cakes & Cafe, which is located in the Commons building at Valley Park. The owner of Valley Cakes, Pam Matusic, has hosted many fairy tale-themed events at the park. Employees of Valley Cakes, many of whom are youth at Teays Valley Church of God, dress up in fanciful costumes to entertain the children.

The Beauty and the Beast Tea was originally scheduled for the week of Valentine’s Day. However, that was also the week of the terrible ice storms which paralyzed the region. The Valley Park convention center was used as a warming center for people affected by the power outage, and so the tea had to be rescheduled. Valley Cakes fed the people at the warming shelter for free, and provided food for emergency workers. Owner Pam Matusic won the Hometown Hero award from WSAZ for her service to the community.

A Mad Hatter tea is planned for April 3 at Valley Park. This event, which will be held at one of the shelters at the park, will also feature the Easter Bunny.