|
On Saturday, August 23, I had the most delightful experience. I attended the Princess Academy that was put on by Payson's Homecoming Queen Chelsea Cooper and her attendance Shaelyn Riding, and Sadie Gurley at the Payson City Center. I happened to be at the second session in the afternoon. They had already had a two-hour session in the morning.
Everything was so well planned and executed in a timely manner. The guests entered through a beautifully decorated archway and were greeted by several hostesses. The guests were all dressed up like they were going to a ball. There were beautiful long dresses, one dressed like Little Mermaid Ariel and many, many more beautiful little girls and their mothers.
As the girls came in they were escorted to the stage where they met with one of Payson's Royalty and given a crown and dubbed Princess for a Day. They then had a picture taken with that Royalty by a photographer. There were several things that the guests got to do. They took a special ride in a horse drawn carriage. The footmen helped the guests into the carriage and then the Coachman took the reins and the guests were taken around several blocks for a beautiful ride.
The girls met with a beautiful Fairy Godmother in a decorated gazebo who placed a spardust star on their cheek and and granted them all their wishes for the day.
The girls could then have a mini manicure that was given by several manicurists. They chose the color of nail polish they wanted and really felt pampered when they were through.
All while these things were going on, beautiful harp music was playing by guest harpist Maggie Hansen. Abigail Murdoch was at the piano and played a song that Elizabeth Laney composed.
Abigail certainly playes like her grandmother the late Betty Winegar Call.
After all the excitement the guests were served a beautiful light and tasty luncheon that was made by the royal cooks. (When I was in the kitchen, they said they were all the ugly stepsisters but I didn't see an ugly among them. They were all beautiful and were having a great time getting things ready.)
A program was presented to the guests with Miss Payson Chelsea Cooper welcoming all who were in attendance. Mayor Burtis Bills then gave a little speech. They were then favored with a story, 'The Princess Test' that was written and read by Krystal Meldrum.
Second Attendant Sadie Gurley performed a dance number and then all the birthday princesses were recognized after which First Attendant Shaelyn Riding played a selection on the piano.
The princess then paraded so all could see them as Chelsea and Abigail Murdoch performed "Every Girl a Princess" an original arrangement by Elizabeth Laney and Abigail Murdoch.
On Tuesday morning August 26th, the princesses that are selected from a special drawing will get to ride in the Cinderella carriage during the Onion Days parade held on Monday September 1st.
When talking with Chelsea's father, Jeff, he told me that Chelsea and her mom, Margaret had spent 12 to 14 hours the last few days preparing for this event.
I'm sure they would agree that it could not have been done without all the wonderful volunteers that helped them.
The proceeds from the event will go to help Chelsea in the Miss Utah Pagaent. We wish her all the luck. She's a beautiful Queen. |
