Katy McCumber

Muriel Fahrion, the illustrator of Strawberry Shortcake, hosted a tea party for fans in Helena Saturday.

Fahrion, 80, is an Ohio-born artist who designed the world of Strawberry Shortcake, a whimsical pink-haired girl first depicted in American Greetings cards. Fahrion’s sister then developed Strawberry Shortcake into a doll, which soon evolved into a film and TV franchise. She also made the first drawings of The Care Bears, a group of pastel-covered bears that were popular toys who ruled children's television in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Guests attended the tea party at the historic Montana Club dressed like Fahrion’s characters, including Strawberry Shortcake and her colorful crew of friends. An assortment of sandwiches and sweets were set out to enjoy as Fahrion described her

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