Children and parents enjoy the 24th Victorian Teddy Bear Tea
Children enjoying a story at the annual Victorian Teddy Bear Tea.
Helpful Elves were everywhere
–Happy children sipped tea, ate cookies and danced on the stage at Saturday’s 25th Annual Victorian Teddy Bear Tea in downtown Paso Robles. Elves were everywhere, helping children find their way to Santa and Mrs. Claus, visit the court of the Snow King and Queen and helping the parents keep an extra eye on the children.
The Snow Queen and King holding court with Elsa and Anna.
The Paso Robles Park Ballroom was decked out with holiday garlands, rows of lights and balloons rising from the tables. The event ran from 2 to 4 p.m. and there was a continuing line of families arriving, dressed in their finest Holiday attire.
Everyone was enjoying themselves but it was obvious the children were having the best time. A child sitting quietly at a table sipping tea would suddenly dart away to the stage to dance or to line up for face painting. The parents, mostly mothers and some grandmothers, relaxed over their own tea and conversations or followed with camera in hand to capture the smiles and excitement.
Grandmother Felicia Thamms from Santa Margarita brought her 10-year-old granddaughter, Kimberly. “It’s my first year,” said Thamms. “Kimberly has come before with her mom, but I wanted to come this year. I can’t wait until next year.”
Families traveled from all parts of the county to attend. Kim Gebhardt brought her three children all the way from Arroyo Grande. “The kids love it,” said Gebhardt. “They already told me we are coming back next year.” Seven year old Grant said, “It’s relaxing.”
Enjoying tea and cookies in the Paso Robles Ballroom.
The Victorian Teddy Bear Tea is an annual event hosted by the Paso Robles Main Street Association. The association kicks off the holiday season every year with the annual Elegant Evening in November.
According to the Main Street Association, Santa and Mrs. Claus receive a special invitation around the time of the Elegant Evening and arrive in Paso Robles for the tree lighting ceremony the day after Thanksgiving, ride in the Paso Robles Light Parade on the following Saturday and visit with children during the Vine Street Showcase and the Victorian Teddy Bear Tea. The tea is the last event on the holiday calendar and Santa and Mrs. Claus head back to the North Pole.
“Everyone has such a wonderful time,” stated Norma Moye of the Main Street Association. Terri Banish, long-time chair of the event stated she “loves every minute of it.”
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