More than 45 “characters” are needed to make this year’s “Cookies with Characters” event a success, said organizer Kiley Spears Monday.

Spears said this year will mark a big change fundraiser by Meredith’s Miracles, a local non-profit that helps families of sick children with non-medical related costs.

“We’ve reached our capacity with the 2,000 people that came last year,” Spears said. “Which is wonderful, but it makes it hard for everyone to enjoy themselves when there are so many people. So, this year, we’re having two shows.

“We think by breaking it up we hope to have enough space for everyone,” she said.

This year’s event will be held on Feb. 23. Shows will be held at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., with doors opening one hour prior to curtain.

And of course, area youth are being asked to audition for the 45-plus characters, which are the highlight of the show.

Spears said auditions are scheduled for Jan. 24 and 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church fellowship hall and are open for those in the eighth grade and up.

“We’re trying to keep things as authentic as we can, which means we need people who look like the ‘face characters,’” she said. “That means if you want to try out for Cinderella, you need to be blonde. We can’t have a brunette Cinderella.”

Anyone can try out for a mascot spot, provided the costume fits, Spears said.

Those with questions about the upcoming auditions are asked to contact Sonia Crigger at 334-804-5325.