ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The Elk Grove Historical Society’s garden grounds was filled with festive Victorian-era garb for the annual Spring Tea fundraiser event on Saturday, May 10. 

Dozens of attendees in vintage-inspired attire sampled tea blends, scones, finger sandwiches and petit fours beneath hand-lettered table numbers and fresh floral centerpieces.

The event doubles as Mother’s Day event where families can celebrate mom over a nice cup of tea. 

“I think it’s great. The turnout is better, and the ladies love it,” said volunteer coordinator and historical society Second Vice President Barbara Claire.

The tradition began at the Blue Victoria Tea Room in early 2002 before being moved to the museum grounds on the northeast corner of Elk Grove Regional Park. The venue provides an immersive backdrop where guests can “step back into early Elk Grove life,” Claire explained.

Sixteen members of the Elk Grove Girl Scout Service Unit assisted with serving and hospitality duties, earning community-service hours and historic-skills badges. Troop leader Kara Joseph said the experience helps scouts practice customer-service skills while fostering a partnership with the Historical Society.

For their meal, attendees sampled English tea, finger sandwiches, croissants and other tea party favorites. 

Awards were handed out to attendees for the best hats and ensembles. The Mika Family — Sharon, Kristen and Mikayla —won the popular vote for the best hat. Each hat contained a teapot. Best ensemble went to Andrea Ramirez, with an almost gothic-inspired dress and hat. 

Kristen Otterson took home best hat in the judges’ vote category, while Dinah Withrow won best ensemble. All five of the children in attendance won best hat and best ensemble. 

“It’s always just too hard to pick the best one,” Historical Society webmaster Louis Silveria said in an email. 

Preparations for the tea extend six to seven months. Decorations are ordered as early as December, and tables are covered in plastic days before the event so volunteers need only unveil and dress each setting on the morning of the tea.

The event also included a silent auction where attendees can bid on items donated to the historical society for the event. 

Proceeds from Spring Tea support the museum’s free first-Saturday tours, when local historians guide visitors through exhibits on pioneer life, stagecoaches and regional transportation networks.

The event specifically includes the Elk Grove House and Stage Stop Museum and the Rhoads School. 

The next free admission day is June 7 from noon to 4 p.m.