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A Ghostly Good Time
The 13th Pullip and Dal Doll Lovers Event took place on June 5, 2021 after being rescheduled from 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The crowd of 75 at the Holiday Inn Chicago-Elk Grove was about half the normal attendance, but it was a casual and more intimate affair enjoyed by all. Attendee Charlene Jenkins said, “It was cozy, I liked being able to chill and get to know people I had seen, but never really talked to before.” The theme was The Haunted Library.
Masks were worn and social distancing was available, although everyone chose to sit at guest tables rather than theater style and six feet apart. Attendee Miranda Santamaria said, “The COVID safety measures and fluidity of PUDDLE 2021 went very well! We felt completely safe, there was social distancing, and we were able to see old friends and make new ones. There were plenty of announcements to keep us up to speed with any changes, and needing to be flexible was not bothersome at all.” Ten vendors did a brisk business selling clothing for Pullip and friends, Blythe, BJDs, and SmartDolls as well as OOAK dolls and accessories. The day included a customization workshop and mid-afternoon cake.
Considering the smaller crowd an amazing number of entries were submitted to the contests. New this year was a Dolly Smorgasbord category open to any kind of doll outside the Groove family. Best in the Haunted Library Theme was awarded to Harold Santamaria. His entry The Book Maker featured a Taeyang doll and books moving spookily on their own across his work table.
Before the event a photo/art contest was held online. Any of the themes from the previous events were allowed in the contest. Seven winners were announced, with four of them living outside the United States. Ruth Poole won Grand Prize for her drawing of a Viking Dal.
After the event, a donation was made on behalf of the attendees to Orphans of the Storm Animal Rescue in Riverwoods, Illinois.
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