(Posted Feb. 20, 2019)
By Dedra Cordle, staff writer
The 8th Annual Victorian Sweetheart Tea took place Feb. 16 to benefit the Friends of Mount Sterling Library. Event organizer Casey O’Neill estimates that this year’s event was the largest to date with approximately 70 people in attendance. In addition to serving up treats, the Friends awarded prizes. For instance, Lauretta Spies was honored for having the most birthdays (she is 95). Jordan Wilkins won a prize for being the youngest boy in attendance. Shown here are scenes from the event.
Ten-year-old Lily Danielsson stirs honey into her tea during the luncheon. The cups, as well as the clothing Danielsson is wearing, were borrowed from O’Neill’s personal collection of Victorian-inspired items.
Arabelle Gainey, 8, showcases her parasol as the festivities were wrapping up.
Melicia Gainey was one of the winners in the “Most Interesting Hat” category. Gainey, of Mount Sterling, said she has had the hat since she was in the chorus of a production of “Hello, Dolly!” in 2000.
Pat Baynes, president of the library board of trustees, was one of the winners in the “Most Interesting Hat” category. A regular patron of the Victorian Sweetheart Tea, Baynes she usually wears different hats each year. Her choice this year, however, was “a return performance.”
Linda Cartee, a resident of Washington Court House, made this Victorian-inspired dress herself.
