Set for May 22 (3pm-6pm) at the Mill Valley Community Center, the ‘Charlotte’s Web‘-themed event is inspired by the classic E.B. White story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte, who creates messages in her web to help Wilbur avoid being slaughtered by the farmer.
Storybook Ball organizers promise a fun-filled afternoon of old-fashioned county fair games, music, dance and craft activities while adults will be treated to delicious local food with beer and wine (and a silent auction). The family-friendly Storybook Ball sells out every year and, in its six years, has raised more than $200,000 to support Mill Valley Library’s free public programs for children and teens.
To align with the Charlotte’s Web theme, organizers have turned to local vegan food company O Baby Bar, which will be serving up all sorts of healthy, County Fair-themed foods, including squash sliders rather than pork ones to “do its part to save Wilbur the pig.”
Nutritionist and local mom Ilyse W. Petter launched O Baby Bar two years ago “as a way to increase awareness of the benefits of a plant-based diet both for individuals and families with children.” Working with her brother, Executive Chef Miles Wassermann, Petter has created a menu of organic, vegan and nutritionally dense items that “appeal to vegans and carnivores alike,” Petter says. O Baby Bar, which plans to open in Mil Valley “when we find out perfect home,” currently caters local community events, private events and parties and hosts chef centered meals with demonstrations and nutritional lectures.
Storybook Ball tickets are now on sale. Tickets are $50 per person, children ages 3 and under are free. Sponsorships are available.