Kimball City Hall was transformed into the setting for a tea party Saturday, June 14. Twenty-one children from the Kimball area attended “Tea Time with Peter Rabbit” sponsored by the Kimball Public Library. The tea party began at 10:30 a.m., though early arrivals had the opportunity to cuddle bunnies brought to the party by Stella Hurrle. They also had a chance to play dress-up with clothes provided by Ginger Castle. Librarian Carla Asfeld welcomed her fellow hostesses and guests by reminding them of tea -time etiquette. “Did you know,” she said, “that it is rude to stick out your pinky finger when drinking tea? It’s considered to be snobbish!” After learning proper manners, the children were treated to a reading of Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit. After singing “Little Bunny Foo Foo,” hostesses served their guests mini-muffins, finger sandwiches, strawberries and, of course, tea (apple cider). Children in attendance had the chance to pick out a teacup and saucer to keep. They were also sent home with a flower provided by Mariah Nelson, which they could plant in their teacup if they so chose. Though much library programming is provided by Great River Regional Library headquarters, “Tea Time with Peter Rabbit” was planned by the Carla Asfeld and the Kimball Area Friends of the Library. Several teapots were borrowed from area residents, but most of the dinnerware was purchased from garage sales and thrift stores thanks to a $50 donation from Cellular 2000, and an anonymous Mother’s Day gift donation from an area resident.
