Sep 21

Kansas Doll Show 2024 - Wichita, KS

It's been three weeks since my return home from the 2024 Kansas Doll Show and I absolutely miss it! This was an experience of a life time and I am so glad I got to have it this year. I have been planning to attend this show since November 2023 and it was definitely worth the wait.

Initally I was shy and felt out of place but I promised my self I wouldn't let anxiety get the better of me; I'm glad I didn't! By stepping out of my comfort zone and initiating conversations I immediately made some new friends and got to meet some old friends that I've not met in person until now! It was definitely a magical trip.

I arrived at the hotel two days before the show began with an attempt to get some much-needed relaxation. I did just that, along with finding a local artist and tattoo shop for a forever souveniere..a new tattoo! You can read all about my visit to Tenfold Tattoo in this post on my personal blog.

Friday

Friday night was the kick-off to my visit. Pre-ordered merch and tickets were available for pickup. I waited in line with my new buddies Andi, Jami and Sarah for our stuff. I was so surprised to find that the goodie bags offered with Early Bird ticket purchase was HUGE! Packed with all kinds of items and coupons. You can check out my Kansas Doll Show Haul video and see what's inside. I picked up a few KDS merch items to to commemorate my first doll show: baby onsies, an outfit and a tumbler.

The highlight on Friday was getting to meet Kory Fann of Pumpkin Doodle Babies nursery in person! I have worked with Kory for over 3 years, promoting her reborn doll artistry via social media but I have never spoken to her in person until now. She is such a kind and sweet woman! I am very proud to be on her promoter team for another year and look forward to my second PDB reborn baby for 2024.

After the meet and greet with Kory the night began with the KDS Baby Shower event! Each event participant was matched up with someone and we exchanged gifts. A requirement of this event was to provide a gift valued at a minimum of $35. I gifted a boppy pillow, muslin blanket, silicone pacifier clips and pacifiers. With my partner I received outfits for boy and girl reborn babies. It was a good time, there were lots of cookies, cupcakes and snacks along with baby item giveaways and doll giveaways. It's definitely a show event that I'd like to attend again.

Saturday

The show began on Saturday! I was in line early for my arly Bird entry and I was not alone. The line grew pretty quickly as everyone's excitement grew for the showfloor to open. I am proud of myself for being able to take a peek at just about every doll table/booth to see everything before I committed to a doll purchase. In the end, I adopted Tatiana (Gracie Mae by L.E.E.) and Eevie (Peaches by Cassie Brace). Two very sought after reborn babies that the artist showed sneak peeks of during the month on Facebook. I feel very blessed to add them to my collection.

After making my reborn doll purchases, I took my time browsing with no rush to buy. I hang out with friends for lunch and chatting dolls with other show-goers in the lounge area. Later that night was the KDS Dollie Bingo Game event. Sadly, no wins for me but I had lots of fun and laughs with my group of doll friends.

Sunday

Sunday was a chill shopping day for me. I participated in spin-the-wheel giveaway and some other games, winning prizes like baby clothes and a tote bag..which was fun! I took my time looking for outfits for my two new girls and blankets to wrap them up in for the travel home. I. picked up a lot of cute Next Baby items from Michelle Mannings's booth. Once I got my accessories I was done for the day.

That night I had dinner at the in-hotel resteraunt and was invited to sit with artist Jeanna Hughes and her artist friends. It was such an amazingly surreal experience gettinglive advice on painting and collecting from doll artists. I was so honored to sit with her and some of these well known artists in the community. Since then we've kept in touch and I do believe I've made a life-long friend.

Overall my trip was AMAZING and I hope I have the opportunity and means to plan another trip for next year. I have heard good things about the Dolls of the World Expo in North Carolina, too so I will be researching that one next.