Paris, Texas –– Livingston the Lion, a beloved stuffed animal from the late 1800s once owned by Sam Bell Maxey Long, is hosting a special sleepover at the Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site! On the evening of Friday, August 15, children are invited to drop off a favorite stuffed animal, doll, or action figure for an overnight adventure at the historic home. Staff will be supervising your stuffed animals and taking pictures of all the fun they will be having!

This free event begins on Friday at 5:30 p.m. with story time, snacks, and goodbyes. Maxey House staff will supervise the toys and document their overnight escapades with fun photos the child will receive copies of. When families return for toy pickup on Saturday, August 16 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., each child will receive a photo collage of their toy’s stay and can take part in a scavenger hunt through the house. Plus, one lucky participant will win their very own Livingston the Lion to take home!

“Livingston’s sleepover is always a fun event at the Maxey House,” says Elana Barton, educator at the site. “We missed hosting it last year, so we’re especially excited to bring it back. On drop-off night, we bring Livingston out so the kids can meet him and hear a little about his history. I love seeing the creative variety of toys kids bring—and watching the playful mischief their stuffed friends get into with Livingston overnight!”