If you believe in fairy tales, then dreams do come true. Not at Prince Charming’s Castle, but at the Calera Public Library.

On Feb. 13, the Second Annual Fairy Tale Ball begins at 6 p.m.

Rhonda Cracraft and Kelli Jones, Friends of Calera Public Library volunteers, excitedly described the magical transformation that will take place.

“Last year’s event was the result of my daughter’s desire to visit a major theme park,” Cracraft said.

It didn’t fit her budget so she and her daughter, Isja, along with Tammy Burnette, FCPL president, and her nephew, Aubrey, attended an event in Birmingham similar to the ball.

“Tammy and I both knew we had to bring the magic to Calera. Playhouse Creations worked within the library’s budget to help us create a fairy tale land complete with sets and live characters.”

Last year’s characters included Cinderella, Prince Charming, Belle, Ariel and Captain Hook.

A castle was constructed along with Ariel’s Treasure Trove and a pirate ship.

More than 300 people attended the ball last year, and they anticipate a larger crowd this year.

“Admission is free,” Jones said, “but characters will sell souvenirs starting at $2. Every penny spent is raised by Friends of the Calera Public Library.”

“And cameras are welcomed,” Cracraft added.

This year’s main attraction is “Beauty and the Beast.” Belle will be portrayed reading at the village fountain and Beast’s castle.

“We want to introduce classic fairy tales to the children,” Cracraft said. “They need to know adventure leaps from the pages of a book, as well as television and theme parks.

One of the reasons Belle stayed with Beast was because of his extensive library.”

Prior to the ball is a Fairy Tale Breakfast at 10 a.m. at Calera Community Center.

Children will dine with their favorite fairy tale characters and receive a commemorative mug.

Tickets are $10. Seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased at Calera Public Library. For more information, call 668-3514.

There will be dancing and a horse drawn, pumpkin-shaped carriage like the one that carried Cinderella to the ball.

Did I mention Princess Tiana and The Frog Prince will be present?

Perhaps you are waiting for your frog prince. Listen. He’s calling you, “Believe! Ribbit.”

Mollie Brown is the new community columnist for Calera. She can be reached at dmjhb1@bellsouth.net.