FOX provided this trip. I received an all-expense paid trip, to attend The Strawberry Shortcake Convention courtesy of FOX Home Entertainment. All opinions are 100% my own.
Written By Blogger, April Erhard of April Golightly
This past week I had the pleasure of walking down memory lane at the 11th Annual Strawberry Shortcake Convention in Ohio. When The Rebel Chick asked if I liked Strawberry Shortcake, I automatically said yes, but I had forgotten how much I loved Strawberry Shortcake when I was a kid. The Strawberry Shortcake Convention brought back tons of awesome memories of childhood that I thought were gone forever. Forget Comic-Con, let’s talk about the Strawberry Shortcake Convention. (P.S. I totally want to go to Comic-Con too!)
The coolest part of the Convention was getting to know the new Strawberry Shortcake. She is a very smart entrepreneur baker with just as enterprising friends. This is the kind of girl I don't mind my daughter watching and becoming when she grows up.
At the convention, we received a sneak peek at the new line of toys and dolls coming to stores in the Fall of 2014. Her new friend, Apple Dumplin has the same job as her mom. She's a blogger! How cool is that?!
American Greetings is the holder of the Strawberry Shortcake license and has revived Strawberry Shortcake and made her who she is today. The Strawberry Shortcake Convention Attendees took a tour of American Greetings headquarters as part of the convention. It was a blast getting to see the behind the scenes at a workplace filled with artists and creativity. I felt more creative just by being in the building.
We got to see how it all works and also some of the upcoming trends and news for American Greetings that I cannot even share, even though I am dying to! They let me know about this new app for free e-greetings called Just Wink. When I got back to the hotel, I sent out a ton of text and email cards to my friends and family.
The tour of the illustrator's office was extra special because you could see the collection of vintage and new toys of each one of them. It was a blast getting to see their offices. I want a toy collection area in my office!
After the tour of American Greetings, we convened to play a little Strawberry Shortcake trivia with vintage prizes like this handout from the 1980s. It is super cool for Vintage Strawberry Shortcake collectors.
We got to watch a storyboard episode for next season with Apple Dumplin as a character. It was super cool getting to see this sneak preview. I cannot wait to see next season! American Greeting sent around all the new toys that will be coming out in the fall for everyone to check out and smell. Strawberry still smells exactly the same. The smell is so wonderful, everyone took a whiff from kids to adults (me!), and even grandmas.
Next, there was a giveaway of Strawberry Shortcake toys that were being passed around from the tickets given out when we came in. Everyone won something and got to pick off the table on toys. American Greeting is super generous with the toys.
We got to take pictures with a life-size Strawberry Shortcake and the Lead Illustrator of Strawberry Shortcake. It was great getting to meet her and chat about her illustrations.
The second day of the Strawberry Shortcake Convention was filled with crafts, auctions, and even a Strawberry Shortcake themed photo booth. I want to have a Strawberry Shortcake themed party! Doesn’t that sound super fun?!
There were several presentations during the convention. One was on how to take photos of your collections and the other one was on how to catalog your collection online.
There was huge presentation on customized Strawberry Shortcake dolls and even games. It was super cool to see everyone’s creativity and get dressed up as their favorite character.
The Strawberry Shortcake Convention is perfect for fans big and small. You should check it out next year for the 35th Anniversary.
Are you a Strawberry Shortcake fan? What is your favorite memory of Strawberry Shortcake?
vanessa: thequeenofswag says
Who knew there were such a convention. Looks like such an adorable yet fun time. Thanks for sharing!
Raijean S says
It looks like you guys had a great time, love Strawberry Shortcake.
HilLesha says
I've always been a big fan of Strawberry Shortcake. This sparks so many fun childhood memories!
Colleen says
Ow how cute! I love Strawberry Shortcake.
Theresa Gould @ Faith and Family Reviews says
I loved Strawberry Shortcake too! My youngest daughter likes the new show and I think it's cool that one of them is a blogger!
Crystal Green says
Oh wow... I remember watching this as a kid. I didn't know they held a convention in Ohio, my birth state. This looks like you had so much.
Kathleen says
Okay, this is so awesome! I had no idea a strawberry shortcake convention even existed. I used to love her when I was a girl, it looks like a ton of fun!
Kathy says
I loved Strawberry Shortcake when I was a kid. I am so happy that my favorite toys to play with are now making a comeback!
Liz Mays says
My daughter liked her a lot. I remember she had a little doll that smelled heavenly!
Marcie W. says
Strawberry Shortcake really brings back a ton of my childhood memories. It is especially cool that my own daughters have enjoyed her movies and toys over the past few years.