STATE COLLEGE — 2023 was the year of Barbie, and the famous blonde doll is still making waves in 2024. “Barbie” took box offices by storm, grossing $162 million in the opening weekend alone, securing Oscar nominations in most major movie and music award categories.
On Sunday, March 10, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at University Wine Company, 540 Misty Hill Drive, local influencer Hannah Morris of Happy Valley Hannah will be hosting a Barbie Party during the Academy Awards.
Morris moved to the area with her family seven years ago. To share about her life in and around State College, she created her Instagram account, Happy Valley Hannah, in October 2023. Her platform quickly grew as other locals resonated with her experience of searching for events in town catered for people, especially parents, in their 30s and 40s. Many people would message Morris asking for suggestions on where they could go in town to meet new people and become involved in the community.
“It took a good four years for me to really feel like I was a part of the community. It can take a while and I think that a lot of people don’t know where to go to meet people,” Morris said.
Happy Valley Hannah started out as a social media platform to share unique experiences and events in the area, but as the community grew, it gave Morris an opportunity to bring together people offline.
In February of 2024, Morris hosted a Galentine’s Day event that sold out in 24 hours. “I want to have these themed parties that are an elevated experience that give us a reason to get dressed up and feel a little fancy. It’s hard sometimes to justify getting the babysitter and making arrangements to go out, but it’s nice to have something to look forward to, and it’s nice to have a reason to get out with our friends.”
After watching the Barbie movie, Morris knew she wanted to create an event around the popular character. “What struck me about the Barbie movie was that I thought it was going to be geared to the younger crowd, but it was very much for people in their 30s and 40s with kids. I felt like it was for the mothers.”
But when “Barbie” was nominated for eight Academy Awards, none of which were for Barbie actress Margot Robbie or director Greta Gerwig, Morris knew it was her chance to put her idea into action.
“When the news broke that Gerwig and Robbie were snubbed but Ryan Gosling got the nomination — not that I didn’t love Ryan Gosling, I thought he was wonderful — I just thought, of course, of course it’s Ken. I thought, how can we play on that and support Barbie while giving people a reason to get out of the house?”
While the celebrities walk the red carpet, attendees will be able to walk their own Barbie-themed pink carpet. Though it is not required, everyone is encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Barbie. Attendees will have an opportunity to have their picture taken in a life-size Barbie box and meet with other locals in the community.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on happyvalleyhannah.com.
