Between the hours of 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, Weymouth Center in Southern Pines will be transformed into a scene mimicking the famous Mad Hatter's tea party in "Alice's Adventure in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll.

From the Mad Hatter's and Queen of Heart's hats found on the hound statues at Weymouth's entrance, and an Alice look-alike greeting them at the door, children and "the young at heart" will be ushered into an afternoon setting featuring an elegant tea party with a touch of whimsy.

Lydia Gill, a well known classical pianist, will provide the musical background for sipping tea while enjoying dainty sandwiches and baked treats provided by the Women of Weymouth and Chick-fil-A.

Local Authors to Read

Local children's book authors Barbara Cole and Marjorie Hopkins will read from their books to young guests following the tea. Luther, the dog with the reputation for being a good listener, will be on hand should school children care to read to him.

Cole, professor of English and the humanities at Sandhills Community College, is an award-winning author. Her latest book, awarded the Henry Bergh prize for children's literature in 2007, is titled "Anna and Natalie."

The story unfolds as Anna seeks to win a contest with Natalie's help.

Children will warm to this story as did The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in selecting it as a prize winner.

A previous book, "Washday," reaches across age, gender and color lines through music and received an International Reading Association Notable Book award in 2005.

Marjorie Hopkins, a self-described "compulsive writer," comes to children's literature from the perspective of her professional experiences as children's theater director, performing arts professor, newspaper columnist and speech writer.

Only since retirement has she found time to focus on writing children's literature. So far in fiction, four of her short stories have been published in literary journals. Her book "I, Amanda," is based upon her grandmother's immigration experience from Sweden as a young girl.

"Anyone who recalls first becoming lost in the pages of a good book is welcome to revisit those fond memories Sunday, Sept. 28," says a spokesman.

Call 692-6261 for reservations.