By Colleen Caudill, Ayers Activity Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator
On Friday, June 7th, while staff and volunteers finished up the last-minute details in the dining room, local Princess’ and Princes gathered at the back of the building, preparing to start the parade! Residents lined up and waited in the halls to see Princess and Mayor of Trenton, Robbi Coarsey Avery leading beautiful girls and handsome boys down the halls. They waved and greeted residents, bringing the biggest smiles to their faces as they passed. Towards the end of the line, some of the older children helped lead residents to follow them down towards the dining room. Outside the double doors was a large photobooth designed like the stairway into a gorgeous ballroom. Residents and guests were encouraged to take their pictures, being gifted tiaras before entering the grand dining room.
There was no expense speared for first impressions. A chandelier centered the room, white drapes extending across the ceiling surrounded by hanging gemstones. There was a second backdrop set up inside that made it feel like you had walked straight into a real palace. The tables were topped with shimmering clothes which centered beautiful rose gold gemmed candleholders of various sizes with tall candles and a lovely vase of wildflowers provided by Brooklyn from Powell Family Flower Farms. They were stunning!
Each place at the table was set with care, and of course, a fun program with fun facts about royalty. As residents and local royalty found their way to their seats, staff and volunteers made plates of mini pastries, mini muffins, and cheese as well as a fresh hot cup of tea in actual real tea cups! The tea of choice was earl gray and English teatime, but for the children we provided pretty paper tea cups and cold red punch.
Overall, we had almost thirty children come enjoy the afternoon with the residents, and even some of the adults dressed up as well! It was incredible to see so many smiling faces and hear so many joyful laughs. This is the first year for this new annual event and although it was a bigger event than expected, Ayers wouldn’t have it any other way! We cannot wait until next year!