Kirsten Sweigert received a generous gift Sunday on her way to the Royal Tea at the Yuengling Mansion, Pottsville.
The tiara perched atop her head had already made an appearance at the tea party, but its owner thought Sweigert would like the fancy accessory.
“I was happy,” Sweigert, 6, of Primrose, said.
On her way to the tea party, Sweigert stopped at McDonald’s near the Fairlane Village mall, where a girl noticed her pink and creme party dress and offered her the tiara. Her aunt, Pamela Bertasavage, said they were surprised by the girl’s generosity.
Sweigert was one of many girls who attended the event at the Yuengling Mansion, a week after the party was postponed due to Winter Storm Jonas. Courtney McCabe, chairwoman, said this is the sixth year for the Royal Tea. Two sessions were held and both were filled to capacity.
“We sold close to 200 tickets,” McCabe said.
Though the theme for this year’s Winter Carnival is “A Little Taste of Country,” the girls were treated to a more feminine scene on Sunday.
“We decided to take it to the girly side,” McCabe said.
The rooms of the mansion were decorated with French countryside/garden theme. The Royal Tea committee decided on the decorations, including poofs, paper flowers and a white, corrugated plastic Eiffel tower made by Bob Roberts of Roberts Signs, Pottsville. Pod & Petal also supplied decorations.
The girls were visited by the 2015 Winter Carnival royalty — Queen Kelci Killian, Snowflake Princess Lucy Murray and Snowdrop Princess Madison Eroh.
“We hope you enjoy your tea and your snacks,” Killian said. Treats included cupcakes, cheesecake and a choice of tea or pink lemonade.
Olivia Schultz, 8, of Pottsville, was wearing a pink floral dress and had a cup resembling Chip from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” She said she enjoyed the event because she could talk to her friends.
Bailee Whyne, 3, and her sister, Victoria, 7, both of Saint Clair, were partaking in the cupcakes. It was their first time attending the tea party.
“They like tea parties. They have them at home,” their mother, Victoria Whyne, 25, said.
The girls also got a picture with the 2015 Winter Carnival royalty.
“I thought she was special,” Victoria Whyne said of Killian, whom they met Saturday at the coronation pageant’s after-party.