By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
On April 19, fairy tale royalty will converge on the Aqua Turf in Plantsville.
That’s when the Junior Miss Southington Organization will hold its annual Princess Meet and Greet.
The Observer caught up with one of these “Once Upon A Time” royals, her highness Princess K., via email to talk to her about the upcoming fund raiser.
Observer: What brings you to Connecticut for April and why did you want to come here to help?
Princess K: Well, Joanne Salerno sent me a letter asking if I would like to be a part of her Princess Meet and Greet that was run by the Junior Miss Southington Scholarship Organization. It is a fund raiser where young girls will be able to meet their favorite princesses, and all of the proceeds go to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. How could I not participate?
O: What do you like about this organization and why, as a princess, do you think everyone should come out and help?
PK: I find it wonderful that so many young girls will be able to meet some of their favorite princesses. Plus, all families should know that the proceeds would be going to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. So, knowing that the money will be helping other children who can’t be at the event that day, many parents will be delighted.
O: After being in your kingdom in a land far far away, how do you think it will feel to be in Connecticut in time for spring?
PK: Well, after a long winter in my kingdom, I hope that Connecticut will finally not have any more snow, and that it will be nice and warm.
O: So many young girls look up to princesses like you. How does it feel that so many people like and love girls like you?
PK: It feels wonderful. I always try to be a wonderful role model and representative for the people in my kingdom, and knowing that many other girls feel the same way makes me feel amazing.
O: What do you like about meeting all of the children?
PK: I love to see their sparkling faces light up and to see them run up and hug me. It makes me feel so happy that they are excited to meet me, I love to hear all of their stories that they share with me.
O: What kinds of things do you hope they’ll talk to you about?
PK: I would love it if they ask me about my many adventures with my sister and friends back in my kingdom. They are the people— and animals/snowmen— that matter most to me.
O: There will be so many activities happening that day. Can you tell me what the children will be up to?
PK: If they are not meeting the princesses, they could be playing games, getting their hair, makeup, and nails done, listen to many music, receive animal balloons, and dance.
O: I also understand you’ll be joined by some other princesses. Give us the scoop. What do you princesses like to talk about when you’re just by yourself?
PK: We love to be able to talk about our friends and what is happening in our kingdoms. We also like to be able to talk about different clothes and jewelry, too. (Laughs)
O: And, curious minds want to know, is there a handsome prince vying for your hands these days?
PK: (Laughs) No, there is not. I am perfectly fine with my life right now, and don’t intend in getting married any time soon.
O: What kind of advice would you give the children who want to grow up to be a princess like you?
PK: I would say to always follow your dreams and try to work as hard as you possibly can. If you follow your heart and believe in yourself, anything is possible!
O: And before we close, is there anything you want to say that I might not have asked about?
PK: I am very excited for the meet and greet, and cannot wait to meet all of the young children.
The annual Princess Meet and Greet of the Junior Miss Southington Organization will be held 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 19. There will be photographs with all the princesses, face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon sculpturing, nail polishing, hair design, a DJ, light refreshments, and raffles. The event will be held at the Aqua Turf, 556 Mulberry St., Plantsville. Tickets are $15 in advance only.
For more information, email PutinOntheRitz@aol.com or call (860) 518-9041.
Princess K. will be among the fairy tale royals coming the annual Princess Meet and Greet in Southington April 19.
PHOTO by MIKE CHAIKEN