PARKERSBURG - Fairy tale characaters came to life Saturday at the second annual Fairy Tale Ball at the Parkersburg Art Center.
Robin White, a Guild member and one of the organizers, said the event was a joint fundraiser for the Actors Guild of Parkersburg and the Parkersburg Art Center.
"This is a fundraiser for both organizations," he said. "We wanted to do an event that was family oriented. So many events are segmented and we wanted to have something all could do together."
Article Photos
Isabel Trusty, right, practices sword fighting with Bryan Ream as Zorro during the second annual Fairy Tale Ball at the Parkersburg Art Center. (Photo by Jeffrey Saulton)
White said the second edition of the ball was designed to be interactive and had elements that appeal to children and adults. Dancing and sketches were set up in the ballroom, crafts were done in the art center basement and Princess teas and storytelling was featured on the main level.
Abby Hayhurst, director of the Parkersburg Art Center, said the event was well attended and it is natural for the groups to work together on a fundraiser.
"It has worked out really well for us," she said. "It brings young people into our facilities and they get a sense of what it is like to do theater and what it is like to do art."
Hayhurst said since they are neighbors, located across from each other on Market Street, it is a continuance of cooperation for the Guild and art center.
"They are our neighbors and it's really cool," she said. "We borrow ladders back and forth - we are good neighbors."
Rick and Judy McConnell, of Mineral Wells, said the night was a dream come true for their daughter.
"Sincerely, it was a dream come true for her," he said. "It has been a dream to meet Belle (from Beauty and The Beast) and have pictures taken with her."
Judy McConnell said their daughter was so excited about going to a ball. As for them, both parents said the event was beautiful.
"It was beautiful and tastefully done," Rick McConnell said.
Becky Miller, of Parkersburg, said her children enjoyed wearing the costumes and the night out.
"I thought the children would enjoy the night out and wearing the costumes," she said. "They enjoyed the whole fairy tale theme, all dressed up and seeing others in costumes."
Connie McKain, of Parkersburg, said her family was involved in the event and the children enjoyed the night.
"My husband was Hagrid (from the Harry Potter series)," she said. "My children have enjoyed it so much and I think it's fantastic event for the kids - and the adults."
