The 33rd Victorian Tea will be held in one seating this year, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 at the church, 124 E. Washington Ave., Alpena.

Tickets are $20 per adult, and $10 per child, ages 10 and younger. A limited number of tickets are available. For tickets, call the church office at 989-356-0576.

The theme this year is Tea in the Garden, so the decor will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a gorgeous garden for a spot of tea with 100 of your fancy friends.

Guests are encouraged to dress in Victorian attire, but dressing up is not required. Many people enjoy donning their fanciest hat, and some even wear full Victorian dresses or skirts, as well as lace or satin gloves.

Courtesy Photo by Bronwyn Woolman Guests choose from a variety of sweet and savory treats at a past Victorian Tea.

The volunteers who work at the Victorian Tea will be dressed as maids and butlers to serve you throughout the event, which will feature two flavors of tea and a very long table full of delicate and delicious finger foods, both sweet and savory.

Prior to the seating, a welcome and musical entertainment will be held in the sanctuary, with doors opening at 1 p.m. Carole Cadarette will be singing and playing piano to welcome guests into the church for the special event.

In addition, there will be a hat shop as in prior years, and a tea shop downstairs, featuring a variety of unique items for guests to peruse before and after the tea time.

Proceeds from the Victorian Tea will go toward outreach programs at Trinity Episcopal Church, such as the newly installed Blessing Box, located outside the main entrance, available anytime, day or night.

“It’s a national program,” Sonya Titus explained. “We put in there personal products … and anybody can come and get those items that needs them. The sign says, ‘Take what you need. Leave what you can.”

Courtesy Photo by Bronwyn Woolman The Victorian Tea is not just for the ladies. Families are encouraged to attend. This young gentleman is looking dapper in his bowtie and suspenders at a past Victorian Tea at Trinity Episcopal Church.

The event is put on by over 40 volunteers, including Titus and Tina Wilson, who has served as a maid for about 25 years now.

Kathryn Kunze did a beautiful job chairing the event for 15 years, Titus said.

“Her legacy is going to go on, with her notes,” Titus said. “It’s one part of her legacy to this church and to this community.”

Titus and Wilson encourage everyone to attend the Victorian Tea, including men and families.

“We’re trying to have fun,” Titus said. “And give people a chance to dress up.”

Courtesy Photo by Bronwyn Woolman Friendly maids will assist guests at the Victorian Tea. Above, from left, are Betty Westrope, Lynn Farrier, Sue Jackowiak, Deb Brown, Doreen Hall, and Tina Wilson.

“I think family and friends, they love the dressing up,” Wilson said. “With the hats and the dresses, and all coming together.”

Courtesy Photo by Bronwyn Woolman Madelyn Mills and Kathie Mills pose for a photo in their pretty red hats at a past Victorian Tea at Trinity Episcopal Church in Alpena.