File this under “The Things We Do for Our Kids.” This past Sunday, Marcia’s Attic for Kids in Englewood hosted a “Frozen” Party at their store featuring glitter tattoos, face painting, raffles and photo opportunities with "Elsa" and "Anna", the two main characters from the Disney movie. And candy. Lots of candy.
The idea? Genius. The execution? (Blank stare)
The turnout was immense for an event taking place in downtown Englewood, typically a very busy shopping destination. Think along the lines of a One Direction meet and greet for the grade-school set. Fortunately, parking wasn’t an issue because it was Sunday and most stores were closed.
With my 5-year old dressed up in her Elsa gown and raring to go, we quickly took our place in line outside of the store. After a 30-minute wait, we gained entry. My first instinct was to turn around and run (see photo below).
My daughter, however, immediately sniffed out the candy station posted near the door, and as a result, we were sucked into a vortex of sugar-fueled kids, nervous parents, and another line for the photo opp. Judging by the line leading up to the back of the store, this crowd was clearly Team Elsa.
With my 5-year old dressed up in her Elsa gown and raring to go, we quickly took our place in line outside of the store. After a 30-minute wait, we gained entry. My first instinct was to turn around and run (see photo below).
My daughter, however, immediately sniffed out the candy station posted near the door, and as a result, we were sucked into a vortex of sugar-fueled kids, nervous parents, and another line for the photo opp. Judging by the line leading up to the back of the store, this crowd was clearly Team Elsa.
Our patience was rewarded once it was our turn for photos, for which the store had hired a professional photographer. My daughter’s face made the wait worth it. “Elsa” complimented her on her dress and as a result, she was absolutely beaming throughout the pictures. As we worked our way back to the front of the store, she declared the moment “Awesome!”
Afterwards, my daughter had had enough of the pushing and shoving that was taking place and wanted to get out, which I fully endorsed. We stopped by the front table to add our names to the list to receive the photos and check out the raffle prizes. We had hoped for some “Frozen” gear they were displaying in their window, but alas, it was more candy. Thanks, but we’ve had our fill.
With that, I had cashed in my Parental Duty chips. The result: a satisfied daughter who constantly asks to see the photos on my phone of her with “Elsa” and “Anna.” When asked, one of the staff members said they would probably do another event like this again. But would I do it again? Only if the store offered to parents an “I Survived the Frozen Party of 2014” t-shirt.
About The Author
Michele Langer is a marketer, foodie, dog-lover, traveler, enthusiast of words and, most importantly, a mom. She grew up in the Northern New Jersey area until setting off for college in New York City, before returning back to the area in 2011. She loves to show her husband and two young daughters many of the experiences she had and places she went to as part of her childhood in Bergen County, while discovering with them the new experiences, places and activities the area now has to offer. After living in the city for nearly 20 years only to come back to her roots, she has realized that you can take a girl out of Jersey, but you can't take Jersey out of a girl.
About The Author
Michele Langer is a marketer, foodie, dog-lover, traveler, enthusiast of words and, most importantly, a mom. She grew up in the Northern New Jersey area until setting off for college in New York City, before returning back to the area in 2011. She loves to show her husband and two young daughters many of the experiences she had and places she went to as part of her childhood in Bergen County, while discovering with them the new experiences, places and activities the area now has to offer. After living in the city for nearly 20 years only to come back to her roots, she has realized that you can take a girl out of Jersey, but you can't take Jersey out of a girl.
