Disney's Tinker Bell spotted in Duluth

Photo courtesy of Tinker Bell Talks

You probably wouldn't believe it if you crossed her on the street, but Margaret Kerry is the closest you could ever get to meeting the real Disney Tinker Bell. Kerry was the inspiration and original model for the famous Disney fairy covered in pixie dust from the Peter Pan movie. That was 60 years ago.

Kerry has a daughter who lives in Duluth and is in town from California for a fundraising event Saturday. Not quite as amazing as our sighting of a Wizard of Oz Lollipop Guild member, but Tinker Bell would be a nice one to add to the list.

Kerry calls herself Tinker Bell's alter ego. Her career also included spots on television shows including "If You Knew Susie" (1948), "The Ruggles" (1949-52), "The Andy Griffith Show" (1960-61), 600 cartoon voiceovers, and a radio talk host on the program "Ministry Loves Company" on KKLA-FM, a Christian station in Los Angeles, according to the Duluth News Tribune.

Kerry auditioned for the Tinker Bell model position with choreography to "Fixing Breakfast." She also imitated a fairy landing on a mirror and preening. Her personality today is still much like Tinker Bell, she says.

Here's how to meet Tinker Bell this weekend (if you happen to be in Duluth): Saturday at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, 506 W. Michigan St.

Talk to Tink 1:30-4:15 p.m.
Kerry will tell Tinker Bell tales and will be available for photographs and autographs. Children dressed as a Peter Pan character get in for free. Cost is $10 for those 14 and older; $5.50 for children ages 3-13.

Pixie Dust Express (the North Shore Scenic train)
The train ride will be a cocktail and birthday party with Kerry. Tickets are $25 for those 14 and older, $15 for children 3-13.