While rain bucketed down outside, the colorful hats and pastel decorations inside Mokane's United Methodist church declared the arrival of spring.
"This is our third annual spring party," said Mary Ann Buffington, a member of United Methodist Women is a group that helped organize the event. "We made hats in case people didn't have them."
The women's group also participates in charitable efforts, like making blankets for Faith Maternity and bringing valentines to teachers at South Callaway.
This year's theme was a tea party. Guests enjoyed tiny sandwiches, mini muffins, fruit bites and more.
"My favorites are tomatoes and grapes," young attendee Haley Horseman said.
She came to the party with her grandmother, Beth Steiferman. It was her first real tea party, though she's had plenty of practice at home.
"She loves to do tea parties," Steiferman said.
While the the United Methodist Women's group threw the party, women from all around were invited to come.
"My favorite part is the elegance and the fellowship," said Marianne Asher, who was the guest of Vicky Neely.
She said it was her second year attending.
Entertainment was provided by a group of long-time friends.
"The four of us go back to our teenage years in Tebbetts," said Jim Buffington, whose brother Don also performed.
They were a mixed quartet and participated together in a Teens for Christ program at the Baptist church, he said.
"We started when Becky (Elley) and I got into ninth grade and I learned to sing tenor," Stan Neely said. "My voice was changing and I didn't know what to do with it."
Elley's sister Sharon Buffington performed "Sisters" with her as part of the entertainment.
"We've all been singing together for a long time," Sharon said.