Enjoy tea parties at Ushers Ferry

The Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation Department Ushers Ferry Historic Village, 5925 Seminole Valley Tr. NE, is offering two teas for children ages 8-12 in October and November.

The first tea on Sunday, Oct. 9 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. celebrates the 25th anniversary of the American Girl Dolls. “On the Homefront with Molly” explores life in 1944. Participants are invited to bring their American Girl Doll (or any other favorite doll) and enjoy some of Molly's favorite things; view her new movie; and take part in a red, white and blue party. The fee is $18 for residents and $21 for non-residents. Pre-registration is required for program #214702-01.

Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder are invited to a second special tea party on Saturday, November 19 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. They will revisit her best-loved stories while making ragdolls, button strings, and a quilt piece; learn how to churn butter and twist hay; and play old-fashioned parlor games at a Victorian tea party. The fee is $24 for residents and $27 for non-residents. Pre-registration is required for program #214701-01.

Call the Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation Department, (319) 286-5731, or go to

www.crrec.org for more information or to register for these programs.