More than 50 local children auditioned Thursday for a character spot at February’s Cookies with Characters event.

The auditions, which were held at the First Baptist Church fellowship hall, allowed youth from the eighth grade and up to show off their acting skills. The event, which is hosted by Meredith’s Miracles, works as a fundraiser for the local non-profit and allows children to visit with their favorite cartoon character.

Janna McGlamory, MM chair, said this year’s event will be held on Feb. 25 and will feature several new characters.

“We’ll still have all the favorites like Mickey and Minnie and all the Disney Princesses and such,” she said. “We’ve also added the Chipmunks, Curious George, the Smurfs and Captain America, while we retired Hannah Montana, Barbie, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker and the Ninja Turtles.”

McGlamory said participation at the night’s audition was “amazing.”

“But we won’t fill any spot until the next audition, which will held on Tues., Jan. 10, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., so anyone who missed (Thursday) still has a chance,” she said.

At the audition, would-be characters will have an opportunity to dress up and perform in costume.

“You have to have lots of energy and be silly, over-the-top even.” McGlamory said. “So come on out if missed it. We’d love to have you.”