Business & Tech
Polka Dots and Ponytails Still Life of the Party in New Spot
Frankfort celebration boutique hasn't lost any of its magic since its move to a bigger location.
Judy Hopman believes childhood should be magical, so it’s no wonder that girls who visit can pretend to be anything from a celebrity diva to a royal princess.
Hopman opened the celebration boutique for girls a year ago at the in downtown Frankfort. In November, she moved into bigger quarters at 20871 S. LaGrange Road in the .
Inside the storefront, a brightly colored party room, performing stage and racks of pretty costumes await girls ages 3 to 12.
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Polka Dots offers a variety of theme parties, including Celebrity Diva, Pretty in Pink Pet Party, Posh Spa Party, Royal Tea Party and Glama Jama.
“We can also customize any kind of party you want,” Hopman said.
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Each party lasts two hours and is unique but the guests always get to dress up, sing karaoke and dance, Hopman said.
“Singing helps build self-confidence and dancing helps build physical skills,” said Hopman, who runs the business with her two daughters. One daughter is a preschool teacher who puts her training to use at the business.
“There’s a reason for the things we do,” she said. “We do more than just dressing up and having a birthday party.”
One of the available extras is stuffing their own 15-inch plush animals. “That teaches the girls fine motor skills and patience,” Hopman said. Another is painting their own porcelain tea cups.
Polka Dots also hosts baby showers and Girl Scout badge events.
Hopman said Polka Dots will be adding etiquette classes this year taught by professional etiquette consultants.
“The classes will last five weeks and teach the girls graciousness,” Hopman said.
Also coming up will be benefit events for charity groups such as the Toybox Connection, which tries to match unwanted toys with needy children.
“I’m just trying to give something back to the community,” she said.
Hopman also is planning a fashion show for April.
Parties can been booked from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 815-464-9922 or go to the website.
