Unlike most nonprofit fashion shows, such as the San Jose Junior League's own biennial event, the sponsoring AVCS Auxiliary doesn't hold tryouts. They welcome all.

"What's fun is seeing all the kids in the shows," says Rocki Kramer, AVCS executive director. "There are no tryouts. Parents have to be involved, but any kid can be in it. You see the kids blossom in the show, especially the boys. They do it three times, and the difference between the luncheon show and dinner dance is dramatic. They come out of their shell and ham it up. You see shy kids really blossom."

Amy McCafferty, chairwoman of this year's fashion show, agrees with Kramer.

"We try to use as many kids as we can in all areas of the event," McCafferty says. "Some are entertainers, some are musicians and some sell the donation drawing tickets or the balloon surprises. With younger kids, we partner them with older ones."

The Snow Ball started in 1984 with one event—the dinner dance. The Snow Ball name came from the ski fashions from Helm of Sun Valley.

Over the years, the name remained, but the events expanded to three, taking place over two days. The fashions have gone from one store to several, there's a new theme each time, and the models now range from kindergarten through high school in age.

Since January, the 50 young models in the show have been practicing two nights a week under the direction of Annette Reavis for the March 12 luncheon fashion show and afternoon tea fashion show and the March 13 dinner dance fashion show.

This year's Snow Ball theme is "Passport to Style," which will first be obvious in decor.

Guests arriving at the Almaden Country Club may feel they're in Provence, with garlands of olive branches and French bistro tables. France is left behind on entering the dining room, where an Asian theme takes over with orchid centerpieces surrounded by pebbles on each table.

The fashion show kicks off with "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" before heading off around the world with other musical segments.

As with most major nonprofit fashion shows in Silicon Valley, Pam On of Sounds Ahead will do the music and Jon Nothwang of Musson Theatrical will do the lighting. Hair's Inn is going to do hair and makeup for the girls for all shows.

This year, the clothes are primarily from stores at Westfield Shopping Town Oakridge; the stores include Macy's, Anchor Blue, Forever 21, The Children's Place, Papaya, Wilson's Leather, Aeropostale, Old Navy and Lady Foot Locker. Other stores participating are Eli Thomas Menswear in San Jose and Tennis2Tees in Los Gatos.

A popular part of the Snow Ball is the decorated tables with elaborate gift baskets that will go home with winners of the donation drawings. Table themes and gifts this year are: "Out of Africa," with African coffee blends, an animal-print runner, place mats and napkins, coffee mugs, an African vase and a gift certificate to Elephant Bar and Grill;

"A Taste of Tuscany," with wine, pasta, dipping oils, a topiary, ceramic rooster and an Italian mosaic pot;

"Tennis at Wimbledon," with a selection of tennis items, including a tennis-racket bag, a selection of English food treats and a gift certificate to Lisa's Tea Treasures;

"Tropical Breezes," with appetizer plates, glasses, dipping oils, a picture frame, a ukulele and the makings for mai tais;

"Fiesta Time," with makings for margaritas, a selection of Mexican foods, a Mexican ceramic pot and a gift certificate to a Mexican restaurant;

And "An Evening in Paris," with wine, dessert plates, coffee mugs, a picture frame, note cards, a topiary and a clock in the shape of the Eiffel Tower.

There will also be a drawing for "12 Months of Fine Dining," which includes a dozen gift certificates to Silicon Valley restaurants.

The AVCS Auxiliary's goal is to raise $35,000 to $40,000 with the three Snow Ball events.

This year's sponsors include Neighborhoods First with Vice Mayor Pat Dando, which has donated $5,000; Coldwell Banker, with agents Steve and Christine Perry, Hair's Inn and BP of North America, which have donated $2,500 apiece; and the Almaden Resident, Joe and Linda Bronson, Skip's Auto and Tire Center and Strangis Properties, which have donated $1,000. Other major donors are the Nollette Family and Ventura Barnett Properties.

Tickets are now on sale for the three events.

The March 12 luncheon and fashion show starts at 11 a.m. and includes a silent auction. Tickets are $55. The March 12 tea and fashion show starts at 4 p.m. and includes balloon surprises. Tickets are $30.

The March 13 dinner, dance and fashion show is black tie optional and starts at 6 p.m. and includes both a silent and live auction, balloon surprises and dancing to the David Osborn Band. Tickets are $125.

Tickets to all events are limited, so reservations are necessary; contact Lauren Wilson at 408.578.8816. All events are at the Almaden Country Club, 6663 Hampton Drive, San Jose.