Powell County Reading Celebration

Everyone knows that when you start reading a really good book, the characters and events in the story seem to come to life for you. On Saturday, March 27th, book literally came to life at the 2nd annual Powell County Reading Celebration. This county wide celebration held at Clay City Elementary was a way for everyone in the county to get together and celebrate reading.

As a local author, I was invited to attend the event. I knew that it was going to be pretty cool to talk and interact with the kids at the schools in Powell County. However, I was not prepared for the amazing events that I saw! It all started when my wife Lisa and I arrived in Clay City. Immediately we could tell that this night was going to be a really big deal because we started seeing people holding signs that stated "Parking for Literacy Celebration." We hadn't even arrived at Clay City Elementary yet!

Arriving at the school, we unloaded the van and heading inside. I could see that this event was going to be a very big deal. The door was decorated to look like one was attending a major event...the Academy Awards! There were two large golden Oscars beside the door. The door itself was framed with silver and gold. The sign read "Where Books Come to Life." Things were getting more and more exciting!

Once inside, I saw that the events of the night would include more than just author signings. The rooms of the school had been turned into literacy showcases! Students and teachers from around the county had worked extremely hard to create performances based on literary works. For example, there were rooms where people could enter and view student performances of Dr. Seuss classics, Where the Wild Things Are, and even scenes from the Little House series. I was very impressed.

During the evening, other events were happening as well. There were book project scavenger hunts where students competed for prizes. There were rooms set aside as living wax museums where students were dressed as characters from their favorite books. There were prizes given away to the county's top Accelerated Reader students from each school. There was even a free dinner for everyone who attended.

Each student who attended the event was given a free t-shirt that proclaimed the joys of literacy. In addition, each student was given a free book. I thought that this was just simply amazing. Looking around at all of the people, you could see the joy and excitement on their faces. Everyone was so thrilled to be celebrating the joy of reading.

In some of the rooms, performances were being given by professionals performers. There were storytellers, artists, and Native American life performers. I also had the good fortune to meet and speak with Joe Bowen. While talking with him, I learned that he had walked all the way across the United States on stilts...once. He had ridden a bike across the United States...twice! Wow! I was in shock! That was simply amazing.

Taking my place with the other authors in the library, I was awed at the mass of people who traveled through the library. I spoke to so many wonderful parents, students, teachers, and community members that evening during my visit. I sold many of my books. It is always such a joy to me to get my books into the hands of people who love to read. Thanks to all the people who took time to speak with me and to look at my work. I do truly appreciate it.

I was able to showcase my newest book, Dark and Bloody, at this event. I used a nice foam board poster of my book to draw attention to it. It seemed to do the trick because several people were interested in it. I think that the fact that it is a book of short, scary stories helped. I also think that many people appreciated the fact that all of the stories are set in Kentucky...most of them right here in Eastern Kentucky.

I also had copies of my two children's poetry books, Nose Pickin' (and 50 Other Ways to Tickle Your Brain!) and Pumpkin Guts. I was thrilled to get these books into the hands of these excited kids.

At the end of the night, my wife and I packed up. We were pleased to receive a t-shirt as well. I will wear it with pride! The evening had been magical. How wonderful to just stop for a moment and celebrate reading. Reading is so important in all of our lives. It is vital that we express the importance of reading to our children. The Powell County Reading Celebration had done that.

I want to thank all of the nice people who invited me and made my wife and I feel at home. It was a very nice event. I look forward to attending next year.

If anyone wants a personally autographed copy of any of my books, please see my website (www.alonzofugate.com). You can also get them from Barnes and Noble and Amazon. In addition, Showtime Video in Jackson has some autographed copies of my latest book, Dark and Bloody, for sale. Showtime Video is a great place to eat and to get a great tan. My wife and I tan there all the time! Maybe I will see you there!

Until next week....class dismissed!