Boys and girls shouldn’t put their Halloween costumes in the closet just yet.
Saturday’s 36th Annual Doll Fair is costume-themed, and both children and adults are encouraged to dress up for the annual event at the Sheldon Museum, which includes crafts, a puppet show, live music, a parade and tea party.
The fair runs from 2 to 4 p.m.
Volunteer coordinator Kris Reeves said the costume theme is an attempt to get children of both genders to come out for the fair. “We’ve been doing it for a number of years and we don’t get many boys who come in… We thought, what better way to attract boys than have them wear their costumes?”
The museum will also provide costumes.
Tresham Gregg will be staging a puppet show titled “A Fantasy Galactic Adventure in the Doll Universe.” Lori Dudzik and Annette Smith will assist, and Jeff Alvine will provide back-up music.
“The idea is (Gregg) is going to have this spaceship that the kids are going to get on and travel through the doll universe and have these adventures,” museum education coordinator Scott Pearce said.
Craft time will start at 2 p.m. and last for about a half-hour. “We’re thinking they can make fairy crowns or a king’s crown or a headdress. Something they can wear to become an empowered person to participate in the puppet show,” Pearce said.
Local band Sweet Sunny North will perform during craft and dress-up time. The puppet show will run from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m., at which time event attendees will parade downstairs for the traditional tea party.
Participants are encouraged to bring doll-sized treats and refreshments for the tea party.
As always, children should bring their “best friend,” whether that is a doll, action figure, or stuffed animal. Residents Elena Saunders and Judy Erekson will also have their personal doll collections on display.
Santa is even rumored to be attending the doll fair this year, Pearce said. “I asked him if it was too early to appear and he said, ‘Wherever there are kids around, I’m always interested in seeing if they are being naughty or nice.’”
To volunteer or donate a costume, call 766-2366.