A parade of history at American Girl fashion show - Herald Tribune

<p>Enthusiastic celebrity hostesses, teenage commentators and 115 models brought excitement to the American Girl Fashion Show.</p><p>The Junior League of Manatee County hosted its fourth annual event at the Bradenton Municipal Auditorium on Saturday.</p><p>The fun and educational fashion show is for girls to enjoy with their families, friends and favorite dolls.</p><p>Fashion show participants wear historically accurate outfits from various time periods, showing how clothing has changed over the years to reflect history, culture and girls' individual styles.</p><p>Guests had the option to enjoy a 10 a.m. show hosted by New York Times best-selling author Ashley Rhodes-Courter, a 2 p.m. show hosted by Bay News 9 reporter Summer Smith Pope or a 6 p.m. show hosted by 2012 DeSoto Queen Ellie Ohlman.</p><p>The teenage commentators were Anna McCarthy and Bailey Mosley at the 10 a.m. show, Rachel Luciano and Savannah M cGee at 2 p.m. and Liz Hunt and Zoe Clark at 6 p.m.</p><p>Throughout the shows, guests had the opportunity to win prizes, pose for photos, buy souvenirs, have a manicure and get a doll's hair styled in a salon.</p><p>The American Girl brand partners with nonprofit organizations to raise money for children's charities in hopes that girls will be encouraged to grow up to be a woman who makes a difference in the future.</p><p>Members of the Junior League of Manatee County are committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community.</p><p>Among projects receiving Junior League funding this year are Get Your Fit On, Kids in the Kitchen, Youth Night for Foster Kids, Junior League Gives Back, Pride Park families, SOLVE maternity homes and Feeding Empty Little Tummies. For more information, call 748-010 or visit www.jrleaguemanatee.org.</p>