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Mickey and Minnie visit the Boardman Public Library
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Disney on Ice cast member Mai Omiya (right), who calls Japan home, smiled as she taught some hula moves to kids at the Boardman library on Dec. 15.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Mickey and Minnie said hello to a group of very excited local children when they stopped into the Disney on Ice story time at the Boardman library.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Disney fans Zoe Neff (left), Maddie Kagarise, Nica Mulichak, Zachary Neff, and KArina Mulichak (front) all enjoyed themselves during Disney on Ice's visit to the Boardman library on Dec. 15.
By SARAH FOOR
The stars of “Disney on Ice: Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey,” visited the Boardman Library to celebrate Christmas with a global flair.
The Dec. 15 event was a joint effort among the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning Valley, Disney on Ice, the Covelli Centre and First Book Mahoning Valley.
Disney representative Christy Stouell began with a reading of a Lilo and Stitch tale, and gave young Disney fans Hawaiian-print Santa hats and leis to wear during the story time.
Afterward, host Mario Castro taught guests some Hawaiian hula dancing with some help from fellow Disney on Ice cast members, showing kids the movements meant to signify “sunshine” and “volcano.”
Excitement in the building reached a fever pitch when Mickey and Minnie stopped into the story time.
The two famous mice danced a hula along with guests and then stopped to hug and take photos with their fans.
Castro, who is originally from Brazil, has traveled as a Disney entertainer to more than 50 countries.
“I’ve performed in Disney parks around the world, but for kids who might not be able to travel there, this is a great opportunity. They’re always thrilled to meet Mickey and Minnie and we’re glad that kids can enjoy a great part of the Disney experience,” Castro said.
After Mickey, Minnie and the Disney on Ice cast mates headed back to the Covelli Centre, the Boardman library hosted its own Christmas story time. Librarians Ashley Bentfeld and John Yingling read the “The Night Before Christmas,” and the group tried out Rudolph’s Workout, a movement song to the tune of “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.”