11th Annual American Girl Program

Samantha's Ice Cream Social

	The American Girl program this year focused on Samantha and this year we had lots of girls in Victorian dress.
Miss Kimberly started out by giving us interesting information about Samantha's world. Who knew that iced tea and sodas were "invented" in the early 1900's!
	People in the 1900's had many different forms of entertainment, including listening to music. A popular form of music was the Barbershop Quartet.
We had lots of fun listening to oldies like "Hello My Baby," "Goodnight Ladies" and "Sweet Adeline," which were all popular barbershop standards in the 1900's.
	We were all surprised when Kimberly and Dale came out on an actual tandem bicycle while the barbershop quartet sang "A Bicycle Built for Two."
Of course we had ice cream at Samantha's Ice Cream Social, along with some ginger snaps and "Victorian Hat" cookies.
	In "Actions Speak Louder then Words," Samantha shows she is a true friend to Nellie. Samantha was played by Bethany and Nellie was played by Kendall. Other cast members were Devin as Eddie, Dale as Uncle Gard and Ursula as Grandmary, who also directed the play.
We also got to learn about the history of automobiles, because they were beginning to be popular during that era. It was exciting to see an antique Ford, especially since the Ford Motor Company was established just one year before Samantha's stories are set.
	We also learned about some Victorian customs, like flirting with fans and parasols. Mary looks on as Miss Kimberly shows how to properly hold a parasol.
Before we started giving out the general door prizes, we recognized the winner of the Victorian costume contest.
	Hannah got a teddy bear as a prize, because they became popular in the 1900's for people of all ages! It's always sad to see the last prize handed out because it signals the end of the program. We all had lots of fun and can't wait until next year.

Watch for information about the 12th Annual American Girl Program in 2009. We'll be featuring the newest American Girl ... Julie. So get those bell bottom jeans and platform shoes ready to boogie!