boardman park Moms, daughters share ‘we time’ at tea


By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK

news@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

Party dresses in a rainbow of colors were on display Sunday at the Lariccia Family Community Center in Boardman Park.

Little girls twirled and walked down the runway showing off the dresses for their mothers.

They were there for the park’s 12th annual Mommy & Me for Tea and Fashion Show.

“Moms write out a little description about what [the girls are] wearing, and then they get to walk a little runway and wave to all the moms and take lots of pictures and just really enjoy the day in celebration of Mother’s Day that’s coming up,” said Karen McCallum, Boardman Park recreation director. “So it’s just a great opportunity to celebrate the Mother’s Day season.”

Crystal Painter and her 6-year-old daughter, Delaney, both wore navy and white with pearl necklaces.

Delaney said her mom picked out her dress. She enjoyed dressing like her mom for the day.

They attended for some “mommy-daughter” time, said Painter, of Struthers. This was their first time attending the event.

They said it was fun and the food was good. Delaney particularly enjoyed the cinnamon rolls and fruit.

Crystal said she “loves” that the park offers events such as the Mommy & Me for Tea.

“I think it’s a nice way for parents to get to spend some time [with their kids]. I like getting out and doing stuff with the kids. It’s just fun,” Crystal said.

Chloe Kuzma, 2, of Boardman wore a pink ruffled dress with silver shoes. She enjoyed twirling to show how the ruffles moved.

This was the first time she and her mother, Fury Kuzma, attended.

“Chloe loves coming to the park,” Kuzma said. “So I thought it’d be something fun for us to do together.”

Chloe said it was fun.

“I think it’s great,” Kuzma said. “The price is so reasonable, you can’t pass it up.”

Two sessions took place, and for the first time, both sold out, McCallum said. About 90 girls and their mothers participated.

“It’s a testament to this community’s love for family-valued programming,” she added.

The mothers and daughters posed for a professional picture as they entered the building. Also included were crafts.

Boardman High School Emerging Leader students helped out with the event.