NORFOLK, Neb. – It was a new location, but the same objective – to promote reading.
Northeast Community College’s Lifelong Learning Center hosted the annual Children’s Day Festival, which was moved from the Sunset Plaza, on Sunday, Feb. 11.
Mark Claussen, chairman of the annual event, said he was pleased with the turnout.
“I have been involved with the event for over 20 years, and then it was always at the mall. I heard stories that it may have been somewhere else when it first started, but we were pleased with how it tuned out. People know what it is, and so we were glad they also know where it is today,” Claussen said on Sunday.
Children earned tickets by going to the booths for various clubs and organizations and completing activities. Then the children were able to turn in the tickets to pick from a massive variety of books spread out on tables.
There were 26 organizations and groups that took part, which is about what it has been in the past.
“This is about what we can handle,” he said. “It’s free, family fun.”
Studies have indicated that reading aloud to young children a minimum of 20 minutes per day will improve their vocabulary and develop positive attitudes toward learning. It also promotes a love of reading.
Assisting in the event were members of Northeast Community College’s Early Childhood Education Club, sponsor Lisa Guenther, and the Student Education Club, sponsor Mary O'Boyle. Lisa Guenther also serves as a board member of Read Aloud Norfolk.
Students who took part were Esther Protzman, Cailey Anderson, Kristal Hammer and Hannah Taylor.
Among the organizations taking part was the Norfolk Public Library, which helps to sponsor the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The program puts books into the homes of children at no cost to the family. A book a month is provided to the children until they begin school. Read Aloud Norfolk also helps pay for the monthly book program.
Children’s Day Festival – Northeast cutline
Among the 26 organizations taking part in the Children’s Day Festival was the Northeast Education Club. Shown here (from left) are Esther Protzman, Lisa Guenther, Early Childhood Education instructor, Cailey Anderson, Mary O'Boyle, education and psychology instructor, Kristal Hammer and Hannah Taylor. (Northeast Community College)
###