FHU ASSOCIATES HOLD SIXTH-ANNUAL VICTORIAN TEA PARTY

The Freed-Hardeman University Associates will hold their sixth-annual Victorian Tea Party on Saturday, May 3. A day designed to entertain women of all ages, the tea party will last from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the N.B. Hardeman House on White Avenue in Henderson.

Featuring several activity venues, guests can choose to create silhouette portraits, paper dolls, shadow embroidery, tablescape designs and gumdrop flowers. There will also be croquet on the front lawn. All activities are included with the ticket purchase, which is $15 for adults. For children ages three to 10, tickets are $8, and children under three years of age are admitted for free. Tickets can be purchased at the Freed-Hardeman University Store, the FHU Welcome Center, Happy Kids Consignment Store, Lookin' Good or by calling the Hardeman House at 731.989.2641.

The afternoon will also be filled with tea and sweet and savory treats. As in years past, the tea party will feature a dress-up room. While the dress-up room will only be available for the smallest girls, girls at heart are welcome, but not required, to dress up in traditional hats and gloves to contribute to the Victorian feel. Photos will also be available for purchase to families that attend.

“I look forward to the tea party every year,” said Olivia Bradford, a FHU alumna. “My mother and I used to help every year.”

Bradford's mother passed away last summer, and Bradford now attends the tea to honor her mother and all the fun they had there.

“One of the real reasons I feel the ladies of the community love it so much is that it is a chance to spend time with any of the ladies in your family and have a wonderful time with the girly food and activities,” said Bradford.

The tea party is sponsored by the Bramblett Group, Chester County Bank, Clayton Bank and Trust, Dr. Larry W. Bloomingburg, Essary's Florist, FHU University Store and Bible Bookstore, 4-Way Flower Shop, Happy Kids Consignment Store, Hester Publications, Lookin' Good and Main Street Realty, Mary Kay (Susan Edmonds), Regions Bank, Shackelford Funeral Directors (Casey Chapel) and X-Treme Wash Carwash.