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Reading event draws a crowd
Inaugural events sometimes can be difficult to get off the ground. Judging by the turnout at the initial Caldwell Reads Kickoff, that wasn't the case with this first-time event. Saturday's kickoff campaign to the countywide reading program established by the Caldwell County Schools and Literacy Task Force appeared to be quite the success. Looking simply at the number of people who attended it would be safe to say the event was well-received by citizens throughout Caldwell's communities. People of all ages flocked to the Caldwell County Fairgrounds for the inaugural kickoff event to the reading program. While there, people had the opportunity to collect reading materials as well as other information from various groups and organizations. Schools from across Caldwell County had booths set up promoting reading, with topics ranging from pirates and space travel to elections and animals. Civic organizations, as well as fire and rescue agencies also had booths to supply literature for those in attendance. People attending had entertainment, ranging from face painting to the kissing of a pig by Caldwell Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Stone, staying in tune with Literacy Task Force's chosen reading selection of “The Good, Good Pig” by Sy Montgomery. To see the fairgrounds, especially the Jim Andrews building where most of the exhibits were housed, teeming with people was refreshing and encouraging. To me, it showed a commitment on the part of our residents to promote reading throughout our county. Granted, there were a number of giveaways, which always attracts a crowd, but the people I came in contact with all seemed to be there for the same reasons: the love for reading and desire to promote it. My family stopped in at the fairgrounds around noon to take in the festivities, and it was all we could do to get through the waves of people that seemed to continually to come at us. And we arrived at a time when the crowd started to dwindle, if you can call it that. Earlier in the day, people were lined up at least half an hour before the event started just to get in. And parking was at a premium because of the overflowing crowds who flocked to the fairgrounds for the first-time event. That's both a good thing and a bad thing. On the good side, it shows an interest in such a worthy event. On the bad side, it shows more space may be needed to accommodate the number of people for the next installment of the campaign. But isn't that a good thing? If the turnout from the reading kickoff is indicative of what can be expected for the next month's worth of events, then the leaders responsible for this campaign need to pat themselves on the back for a job well done. And don't forget that more events associated with the countywide Caldwell Reads program are coming up, all sticking with the theme associated with “The Good, Good Pig.” There will be booths set up at Kaleidoscope at Hibriten High School April 19 and PigNic in in the Park May 3, along with a showing of the movie “Babe” at the Lenoir branch of the library April 23. And Sy Montgomery will be in town May 15-16 for presentations. Saturday's event was just a taste of what reading has to offer. Don't stop with the appetizer. Be sure to follow up with the main course and maybe even dessert. After all, reading can be mighty tasty, as folks found out at the Caldwell Reads Kickoff. Nathan Key Managing Editor nathankey@newstopic.net
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