FAIRHOPE, Ala. — “Circus Cuties are Coming to Town” is the theme for the 16th annual March Fantasy Doll and Toy Show and Sale.

This event, hosted by the Eastern Shore Doll Study Club of Alabama, will take place Saturday, March 8, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Fairhope Civic Center auditorium.

Each year, the club shares a display of dolls for the enjoyment of those in attendance. All dolls and doll-related items featured on the stage will be from the personal collections of the 24 doll club members.

Admission to the 16th annual show and sale is $2 for adults; and $1 for children 6 to 12 years old.

The 2008 March Fantasy sale will feature more than 30 dealers from states near and far, each selling a variety of toys, dolls and doll-related items. Dolls and toys that can be seen and purchased at the show range from older favorites, like antique bisque and composition dolls to the popular modern vinyl dolls like Barbie and friends. There will also be a few doll artists in attendance offering handmade beauties.

Cynthia Orgeron, a professional with more than 35 years experience, will be on hand Saturday to offer professional written appraisals of dolls. Appraisals will cost $3 per doll.

A children’s door prize will be awarded to one lucky child with the purchase of an admission ticket. The drawing for this special prize will be at the end of the show. The winner need not be present to win.

Chances may be purchased to win one of several raffle prizes, including dolls and doll-related items. The winning tickets will also be drawn at the end of the show. Organizers plan to have some door prizes, too.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the event. The civic center is located at 161 N. Section St.

The funds raised through the doll appraisals and raffles will benefit local charities.

The Eastern Shore Doll Study Club invites any doll lover to come and join in their fun. The club participates in many events throughout the year. A club favorite was a trip to Build-A-Bear Workshop, where each member created a holiday bear to be donated to a local children’s charity.

The club currently has 21 active members and three junior members.

The group meets at 1 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Delchamps Room of the Fairhope Civic Center. At each meeting, the members gather with their friends to learn about dolls, see a special monthly presentation, listen to guest speakers and enjoy the fellowship and company of others.

For more information about the show and sale, or membership in the doll club, contact Ruth Ann Brett, club president, at (251) 980-5958, or Mike White at 928-7956.