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Spending Second Thursday with Disney

MARQUETTE – The Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum got a little “Brave” Thursday night.

The museum’s monthly Second Thursday Creativity Series event was “Brave! Disney Night,” which focused on the Disney movie that had an empowering theme about Princess Merida.

According to the Internet Movie Database: “Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.”

The activities had a Scottish theme since that country inspired the film. Once of them was making a “Blue Wisp,” which involved putting blue frosting and sprinkles on a shortbread cookie.

“It would help Merida go from place to place,” said Carolyn Nummela, a Kohl’s employee who was volunteering at the event.

Kids made bear paw prints, painting a bear with bows and arrows like Merida would have used, and created thistle brooches.

Face painting and going on a scavenger hunt for a haggis – a rare Scottish beastie, according to the program flyer – were on the agenda.

They also could record their voices in the museum’s “Steamy Stomach” recording studio.

Museum Director Nheena Weyer Ittner related an amusing story about the studio activity.

She said one of her employees went to the local St. Vincent De Paul store and bought a skirt, which was supposed to be a kilt.

“So, he’s back there with a karaoke machine,” Ittner said. “The only karaoke we had were Christmas songs. But then somebody donated a fog machine to us, so he’s back there singing Christmas karaoke with this skirt on, and this fog.”

She got a laugh out of that.

“He looks like he might be a little demented or something,” Ittner said “It’s very cute.”

Youngsters wouldn’t have had to see the movie to enjoy the museum event.

Riley Hoban, 9, of Negaunee, made his own Blue Wisp.

“The frosting is awesome,” Riley said.

Lending support to Thursday’s event were the Northern Michigan University Student Leader Fellowship Program, Kohl’s A-Team, Culver’s Frozen Custard, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and the Phyllis and Max Reynolds Foundation.

Adding music to the event were Pierre Ogea on bagpipes and Wayne Oien on drums.

Coming up next at the museum is Hunting Reading Night Thursday with the Literacy Legacy Fund of Michigan, AmeriCorps and Great Start. The free event, at which free books will be available, is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

December’s Second Thursday event will focus on the movie “The Polar Express” and will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8.

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.

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