Triple Crown of Events to Kick Off

An upcoming event at the Bradford Area Public Library is sure to be a un-tea-niable good time.

The annual Derby Chapeau Tea is set for 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at the Bradford Area Public Library. This is when the library is transformed into a tea house full of treats for all to enjoy.

The Derby Chapeau Tea is the kick-off event to the library’s Triple Crown, which also includes a Kids Derby and the Derby Gala. All events either raise money or awareness for the library.

Attendees will be treated to tea sandwiches, delectable desserts plus tea.

Ann Fesenmyer and Kelly Case, co-chairwomen for the event, said there are new features to this year’s tea.

“We want women and girls of all ages to come and enjoy an afternoon with us,” Fesenmyer said. As such, tickets are also available for girls ages 12 and under. “Our vision is to offer a chance for moms, grandmas and little ladies to get dressed up and enjoy an afternoon together in a relaxing environment.”

Case pointed out that this is also the perfect opportunity to show off those Easter bonnets. But hats are not mandatory.

“While you are certainly welcome to wear a hat to the tea, you can also come even if you don’t want to wear a hat. It just adds to the festive nature of the day,” Case said.

There will be children’s activities for the girls, including making their own hats, coloring and reading tea-related stories.

There is also something new for those who are not sure what to wear to the Derby Gala on May 4 at the Pennhills Club. Several models will be showing off what attire is appropriate depending on where you are seated at Churchill Downs.

“There is no set dress code for the Gala,” Fesenmyer said. “The main thing is that people come and have a good time. It all goes to a good cause in supporting our library.”

Pauline “Boots” Higie, a longtime supporter of the library, will be the honorary chairwoman for the tea.

Tickets, $15 for adults; $10 for children, are available at the library. There are a limited number of children’s tickets available. All young girls must be accompanied by an adult. There will also be musical entertainment and a chance to win prizes.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the library’s Endowment Fund. Income from this fund provides 20 percent of the library’s operating expenses each year.

Pictured, Ann Fesenmyer, left, and Madeline Miles look over some of the prizes that will be available at the Derby Chapeau Tea, which is set for 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at the Bradford Area Public Library