More Than 1,000 Expected Saturday at American Girl Place Grand Opening

The line for the grand opening of American Girl Place at Tysons began at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, according to organizers at the event on Saturday. The doors officially opened for the grand opening at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Management estimated the line at that time at about 600 people--most of them moms and daughters, with grandparents and dads also sprinkled into the crowd. Managers said they expect to see more than 1,000 at the grand opening.

Fairfax County police and mall security were keeping the traffic and pedestrians moving along with the help of roped-off areas and orange cones. A large tent set up close to the entrance to the store kept kids busy with music, juggling, face-painting and an artist twisting balloons into balloon animals.

Mom Tiesha Porter and daughter Trinity, 7, were early birds this morning, driving from Glen Burnie, Md. to the event and exiting at about 9:30 a.m. Clutching one of American Girl's "look-a-like" dolls, Trinity said she received a free gift, an American Girl notebook. Trinity said her favorite part of the visit was peeking in at the Doll Salon, located on the bottom floor of the doll emporium.

Clara Kasik, 6 1/2 years old, arrived with her mom Jennifer Procter, from Falls Church. The two were in a line that was moving at a fairly good pace. Clara was also holding a look-alike doll.

Mom Cassie Tripp of Woodbridge arrived with her mom Pat Fannin and daughters Ella, 3 and Ashley, 7 1/2. Ella had a hold of Bitty Baby, the "baby doll" sold by American Girl, while Ashley also had a look-a-like doll. The foursome were at the tail-end of the line but were soon joined by more families.

Mom Sarah Black and her daughter Samantha, 7, drove up to McLean from Fredericksburg this morning. "We left home at about 7 a.m.," Black said. Her daughter was holding Josefina, one of the American Girl historical dolls.

The company, owned by Mattel, features historic dolls from American history. The dolls have books that set the dolls in particular time periods and come with various accessories.