Civil War-era doll dressing contest set

In an effort to raise awareness and money for a five-year event to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, Gianna Barrow of Bonaparte, will sponsor a contest for designing and dressing 24-inch vintage bride dolls in 1860s-era costumes.

Barrow will provide the dolls to all those interested in participating, but needs to be notified by Monday by those wanting to reserve a doll.

Dolls will be available Oct. 13 and 14 during the Doll Display and Silent Auction of the 2012 dolls or by appointment. Completed dolls need to be returned for the event, display and judging by April 1.

Any 4-H members who would like to participate in the project will be allowed to have their doll back for the summer for fair competition. These must then be returned by Oct. 1, 2013, to be sold at silent auction during the Van Buren County Scenic Drive.

The auction will allow designers to purchase their doll back if they desire. All proceeds will go to the Bonaparte Main Street sesquicentennial event, A Civil War Experience. Bonaparte Main Street is a nonprofit organization.

Contest rules are simple to encourage involvement by all ages and skill levels: outside garments must be homemade, clothes must reflect the 1860s era, and dolls are to be returned by April 1.

Judging will be done by the public the week leading up to and day of the June 8 event in the categories of: Miss America, Miss Union States, and Miss Confederate States, with Miss Congeniality being award by Barrow.

To reserve a doll, arrange to collect one, or for more information contact Barrow at 319-592-3580 days or 319-592-3132 evenings.

The dolls from the 2012 contest will be sold at silent auction Oct. 13-14 in Bonaparte?s Opera House during the Autumn Fest held in conjunction with The Van Buren County Scenic Drive.