I’ve told the story before, but I still have my original Cabbage Patch Kid. His name is Ollie, and he’s still wearing his 1983 Chicago White Sox uniform – a well-played-with reminder of simpler times, and one that my daughters now enjoy playing with today. 2018 marks the 35th Birthday of the Cabbage Patch Kids, and this weekend there’s a party taking place at Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia. Wicked Cool Toys and Original Appalachian Artworks will be throwing the party, and as always, admission to Babyland General is free! Kids and families can enjoy free cupcakes and ice cream (while supplies last) and there will be prizes awarded to lucky visitors all day long. The Grand Prize is truly special – a one-of-a-kind soft sculpture Little Person (the dolls that inspired Cabbage Patch Kids) signed by the creator, Xavier Roberts. Check out a video tour of Babyland General Hospital below, along with all the details on the CPK 35th Birthday celebration…
This weekend, experience the world of the Cabbage Patch Kids including a wide range of toys from Wicked Cool Toys (WCT). The line includes the popular “Cuties,” “Adoptimals,” “14” Kids” and “Little Sprouts Collectibles”! Wicked Cool Toys’ newest crop of sweet deliveries is at retail nationwide. The toy Cabbage Patch Kids are proud of their history and want you to celebrate this huge milestone with them! Check out the Cabbage Patch Kids 35th Birthday Shop at Amazon (affiliate) to get yours.
Historical Background on the Cabbage Patch Kids:
Soft dolls have been around for centuries and thanks to the success of the toy Cabbage Patch Kids, they continue to be an important part of our culture today. In 1977, Xavier Roberts, a young art student, combined his talent for clay sculpture and his study of a technique called “needle molding” to create his own original version of soft sculptured babies. His efforts were aided by his experience in quilting, learned from his mother at an early age.
Xavier’s creations were called Little People® and he offered them for “adoption” at regional craft fairs. Prospective parents were told the babies were found in a Cabbage Patch and they had to take an oath to be a good parent. By 1978, he opened Original Appalachian Artworks, Inc. (OAA). Xavier and a few friends offered his versions of kids and babies through gift stores throughout the country. For added realism the Little People were dressed in used clothing. Each one came with a birth certificate and adoption papers.
In 1982, Original Appalachian Artworks granted a licensing agreement to Coleco Industries. With this licensing agreement came the first use of the trademark “Cabbage Patch Kids”. In 1983, Coleco’s toy version was introduced to the public and became the best-selling baby doll of all time.
In 2018, OAA continues offering hand stitched one-of-a-kind soft sculpture kids and babies from Cleveland, Georgia. These individual works of art are available exclusively through BabyLand General® Hospital and their website.
Experience the World of Cabbage Patch Kids and BabyLand General!
When: Saturday, September 8, 2018
Where: BabyLand General® – 300 N.O.K. Dr., Cleveland, GA 30528
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lots of Free Activities
