Youth LEAD families find a fabulous feast of “Frozen” fun in Frankenmuth
3/5/2015 8:00:00 AM - Tribal Observer

By Joseph V. Sowmick, Photojournalist

On Jan. 31, the thermometer read 35 degrees, but inside the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn, there was festive fun, a fabulous feast and “Frozen” movie magic in the air.

The Youth LEAD department had a special day as 50 lucky participants ventured through mid-Michigan flurries to get a glimpse of Disney characters Olaf the Snowman and royal sisters Princess Elsa and Anna.

The German-themed restaurant served up their famous family chicken dinners but it was clear the sold-out ballroom guests were all about meeting the beloved “Frozen” cast members.

College Vocational Recruit Support Specialist Rosanna Romero attended the special day with daughter Natalia and her dad Gerald.

“My 5-year-old Hummingbird Girl (Natalia) was so ecstatic about meeting Elsa and Anna for the first time that her entire bedroom was transformed into the ‘Frozen’ theme,” Romero said.  “I want to thank Betsey (Alonzo) and Colleen (Maki) from Youth LEAD for coordinating such a fun-filled event for all the toddlers that attended.”

Alonzo enjoyed the festivities almost as much as the parents and children.

“The look of joy and amazement on all the youth’s faces made the experience itself magical,” she said. “Children's faces were lit with glee as the beautiful Elsa and Anna made their rounds. Olaf was a great addition for the boys. His silly smile was enough to get the kids out of their seats. The food was fabulous, and the dessert was a treat in itself that’s for sure. Youth LEAD will continue to search out events like this one that we know the community young and old will enjoy. Thank you to all in attendance we hope it was an event to remember.”

Healing and Wellness Coordinator Cathy Fisher mentions that her 20-month-old granddaughter Alexis wasn’t ready to meet the six-and-a-half-foot tall snowman.

“Seeing him on TV is different than seeing him in person and Alexis was pretty scared of the real Olaf,” Fisher said. “My 4-year-old granddaughter Aria said she was so very excited for this day to come. The event was very well organized and fun and this will be a lasting memory for my girls. We want to go back to the Bavarian Inn to see Cinderella next.  I want to thank the Youth LEAD department for this chance to share in their excitement and have it be a lasting memory.”

Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort Administrative Assistant II Bethel Merrill took her daughter Simone, and her grandsons Karsyn Sineway and Mingan Merrill.

“My grandsons loved seeing Olaf and Simone loved seeing the two princesses,” Merrill said.  “It was an event that was so special for everyone.  I would like to say thank you, Youth Lead, for sponsoring a trip for the younger children and their families.”

Risk Manager Tracy Terrill-Leathers complimented the Youth LEAD department on bringing another successful Tribal event that was worth the drive.

“My daughters Jasmine and Isabelle… enjoyed meeting the Princesses in real life,” Terrill-Leathers said.  “We enjoyed the delicious chicken dinner and the specially-made Olaf cupcakes for dessert! As a parent, I loved watching all the kids so excited and happy!  Thanks, Youth LEAD department!”