Antioch was a “Barbie world” Saturday when people of all ages from Lake County and beyond expressed their love of the famed doll at the first Barbie’s Birthday Bash event downtown.
Presented by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, Barbie’s Birthday Bash started with a party and fashion show at The Rivalry Alehouse on Main Street. Attendees sang “Happy Birthday,” and enjoyed treats and Barbie swag.
After the party, a map led visitors to participating businesses on a downtown route, complete with Barbie-themed surprises.
“The Antioch chamber is thrilled to host any type of family-friendly event to bring people into our business community, and especially such a powerful topic of Barbie who empowers women throughout the generations,” Antioch Chamber of Commerce executive director Barbara Porch said.
“Today, we had a three generational family which was outstanding … and we had half-a-dozen Kens, who were all great sports,” she said.
The three generations of a Lake County family of Barbie fans included grandmother Barbie Redding of Antioch. She donned Barbie-themed clothing with her daughter, Ashley Walkanoff of Antioch. Also in attendance were Walkanoff’s twin 7-year-old daughters Grace and Layla.
According to Barbie-related websites, on March 9, 1959, Barbie debuted at the New York Toy Fair. What followed in 1965 was Astronaut Barbie, and later more self-empowerment Barbie personas.
“I’ve been Barbie since I’ve been born,” Redding said. “I was blessed to be Barbie. Barbie’s very inspiring to girls. Everyone loves a Barbie, right? We love Barbie. I love Barbie.”
Redding has a Barbie doll collection in a display case at home. Her favorite Barbie is the 1964 doll. Redding’s mother has gifted a Barbie to her each Christmas, as the Barbie collection has continued to grow since her childhood.
Like many Lake County families attending the event, the Walkanoff family saw the smash “Barbie” movie released last year starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken.
The Walkanoff twins are being raised by parents who are encouraging them to be “independent and goal-oriented.”
“They’re athletic, they’re ambitious (and) they’re smart,” Walkanoff said. “We tell them all the time, girls rule the world.”
Dressed in Barbie clothing were Morgan McConnell of Antioch and her daughter Charlotte, 7.
“Barbie can do anything,” Morgan McConnell said.
Winning a lookalike contest was Justin Lynch of Antioch, who attended dressed as Ken with wife Lisa and children Kenzie, 4, and Riley, 17 months. Kenzie won as the top fashionista Barbie, as well.
“He is a Ken; 100% a Ken,” Lisa Lynch said of her husband.
Kenzie was awarded a large pink container of bubbles, and her father won a hot pink electrical outlet that Justin Lynch said would be perfect to, “probably plug it into one of (Kenzie’s) toys.”
Coming in the top three of one contest was JoJo Jankowski, 9, of Lindenhurst, who put her best foot forward with a kick during her starring runway moment.
“Barbie is an inspiration and she’s, like, a woman leader,” JoJo said.
One business to visit with Barbie attractions had a dart game with a Ken face on the target. The Zanna Dunes boutique had a Barbie box prop.
“We’re just trying to have fun with all the kids and everything, so I just love it,” said Zanna Dunes owner Josie Taylor, who dressed as Rock and Roll Barbie.
“We grew up with it,” she said, “I think she’s adorable, and I’ve had Barbie dolls since I was little. My grandkids, too, and I just love it. She is a great role model.”
