A Charmed Affair
I distinctly remember the day I met Jenna. It was freezing. Not just cold, somewhere in the -20s, and we were at a winter festival in Edmonton. Jenna and her Ice Queen “sister” had just finished a meet and greet with young guests. They were heading indoors to warm up when we asked for a photo. I’m sure they were frozen to the bone, but with the biggest smiles on their faces they looked right at the girls and enthusiastically said “Of course!”
It was magic.
That photo stayed on my fridge for three years. The girls often told the story about the time they got to meet the princesses. Their day had been made by a simple act of kindness that really encapsulates what “A Charmed Affair” is all about.
“A Charmed Affair” is the business owned by Jenna and her mom Lori. They offer character entertainment that comes right to your door, for everything from birthday parties to corporate events and fundraisers to festivals. Little did I know that their story started with an encounter much like our own.
The fairy-tale beginning…
Jenna was just a tween when her mom hired a character for a special event. She was captivated by the encounter! Jenna couldn’t wait to turn 16 so she could get her driver’s licence and become a princess-for-hire. She loved the job so much that she and Lori decided to start a business of their own. “A Charmed Affair” was born!
Fast forward to today and the company is made up of nearly 30 team members offering almost 90 different costumed characters. Their most popular include princesses, superheroes and holiday favourites. Birthday parties, events and festival visits are their most-requested offerings.
Birthday Party packages include complete family entertainment and can feature character favourites from Princesses and Superheroes to Mermaids, Unicorns, Fairies, Dinosaurs and more! Packages offer everything from character visits to themed events like “Spa Party”, “Science Party” and even “Puppy Party”! Characters will dance, skate, perform and even go on parade! Birthday parties with characters from A Charmed Affair are known to be the most high-energy and interactive celebrations around! The guest of honour will feel pretty special too, thanks to the extra touches. Princess Party packages come with a special rhinestone tiara for the birthday princess to keep and Superhero party packages include a personalized cape for the birthday hero!
Teamwork makes the dream work!
Jenna and Lori are quick to share credit with their team. Talented performers and people who truly love kids make up their group. It includes experienced performing artists, early childhood educators and ECE students, and even performers who’ve worked for Disney!
With talent like that, it’s easy to see how “A Charmed Affair” is able to expand its offerings. Jenna and Lori have also decided to start hosting some events of their own. It’s their way of creating a next-level character experience for families.
In Fall 2022 “A Charmed Affair” held their first-ever Villain Ball, just in time for Halloween. 10 characters hosted a family-friendly dance party. There were performances, activities, goodies, photo ops and more. The event was such a success that it got the ball rolling for the next big thing – Cinderella and Prince Charming’s Royal Wedding!
The ballroom at Sherwood Park’s Clarion Hotel was transformed into an exquisite royal reception to celebrate the storied couple! Guests of honour watched as bridesmaids Ariel, Belle, Jasmine and Aurora led Cinderella and Prince Charming down the aisle, and after a delicious dinner of kid-friendly favourites, guests and characters mingled, sang and danced the night away!
Summer Camps
A collaboration with Sherwood Park’s Crescendo Music Studio resulted in “Perfectly Princess Summer Camp” and “Spectacular Superhero Summer Camp”. Both Summer Camp offerings are back for Summer 2023 with fun for kids aged three to eight!
Perfectly Princess camp (July 10-14, 2023) includes a week (mornings, afternoons, or full days) of singing, dancing, stories, games and crafts with favourite princesses. Different guests will visit each day and the week will wrap up with a ball attended by all the Princesses!
Spectacular Superhero Camp (July 24-28, 2023) is packed with high-energy games, training activities, crafts and more! Training superheroes will learn to follow clues and outsmart villains with tips and tricks from different superheroes who visit camp each day. The week wraps up in spectacular fashion too, with a glow party attended by all the heroes!
Morning, afternoon and full-day options are available and there are still a few spots left for Summer 2023!
Book camps or parties:
Editor’s note: I wrote this article as a paid partnership with A Charmed Affair, a local small business that I truly admire. I thank Lori and Jenna for trusting me to help tell their story.