Plant City Entertainment patrons don’t need to get on stage to break out their feather boas or favorite party outfits. On Saturday, Sept. 26, residents are cordially invited to join PCE organizers Marsha Passmore and Dodie White at the theater’s annual tea party fundraiser.
“It’s as near as what you would expect an English tea party to be,” Passmore said.
This year, the event is sponsored by Hopewell Funeral Home. All of the funds raised from the event will go toward productions and paying off the remainder of the theater’s mortgage.
Guests at the tea party will see recent upgrades made to the theater, including a new roof and improvements to the theater’s foyer.
“Every year we do improvements,” Passmore said. “(They’ll) notice the roof and (foyer) immediately.”
Passmore has hosted tea parties for years. The idea for PCE’s tea party fundraiser came when the theater’s building was purchased in 2009.
Passmore’s interest in tea parties grew when she began collecting tea cups and saucers. She also loves the fun, carefree environment of a tea party.
“I just like the way it makes you feel,” Passmore said. “It makes you feel happy and relaxed. Everyone comes to a tea party in a good mood, and they leave smiling.”
Passmore and White will provide tablecloths and napkins, but guests are encouraged to decorate a table with their own theme. Each table host will provide a party favor for guests, and prizes will be given out. Neumeister’s Candy Shoppe will give guests a sweet treat in a token tea cup and saucer.
“Everyone winds up with something to go home with,” Passmore said.
Guests also will go home well fed. Passmore and White will provide scones, petit fours, chicken salad finger sandwiches and a number of other delicacies for attendees to munch on. Guests are sure to find at least one flavor of tea they enjoy. Over half a dozen varieties, including raspberry, lemon, vanilla and mint, will be served.
Although the party was limited to about 70 guests last year because of roof repairs, Passmore is expecting between 100 and 130 guests.
“Right now we’re about halfway there,” she said. “Many ladies invite their own guests.”
Guests are encouraged to wear hats. There will be some available at the theater.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
Tea Party
Where: Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St.
When: 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26
Cost: $25 per ticket