Fun fair a success
More than 175 people attended
Families and children had a morning of fun and surprises hosted by Porterville Public Library and Parks and Leisure Services at the Family Literacy Fun Fair at Centennial Park on Saturday.
Over 175 people dropped by between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to enjoy the various vendors, educational games, books, and refreshments during the free fair.
Three pre-teen boys appeared to be having a wonderful time laughing as they left the park and playing around. At the fair they got posters, popcorn and hot dogs, they said, as they munched on some candy. But the boys also spun the wheel at the literacy booth and won some prizes.
“First of all they let any of us in,” said Tom Olsen, with a laugh, as he was enjoying a hot dog, sitting in the sun on the balmy morning, watching all the frivolity at the fair. He is the husband of Anna Marie Olsen, Library Literacy Assistant at Porterville Li-
brary, and pastor at their church.
The Family Literacy Fun Fair is celebrating September as Literacy Awareness Month said Anna Marie, which helps increase awareness of what the library offers to the community.
“We love doing this for the kids and the community,” said Donna Chavez, library staff. “Letting them know what is available at the library and in Parks and Leisure, and the many other vendors here at the park.”
Another staff member, Erica Emigdio, said it was really nice to see children and families gathering together enjoying themselves. But she said it was especially nice when they said they appreciated the activities.
Ashley Sizemore from Community Development said the fair was a great family event promoting literacy for all ages.
The registration booth was constantly busy, giving out free arm bands to receive refreshments and participate in activities as well as the free blood screening provided at a Family Healthcare Network booth.
Porterville Youth Center was at the fair providing information to families. The center is a place where kids can go after school during on weekdays said Adriana Medrana, center supervisor.
“It’s a great to keep the kids entertained
and off the streets so they don’t get involved with gangs,” Medrana said. “They can also do their homework and receive help.”
Fernando Gutierrez teaches taekwondo daily at the Lions Black Belt Academy on Olive Street, and he and four of his top students were pleased to be involved at the fair. He spoke with between 30 to 40 people during the day and encouraged both parents and youngsters to get involved in the discipline and strength building exercises that teach self-defense.
“I am happy to support the Porterville Library at Family Literacy Day as well as help promote the new martial arts Lions Academy at 244 W. Olive Ave.,” he said.
Among the booths at the fair was a “book walk” where kids won books while they played a game similar to a “cake walk;” Galaxy Theater was promoting children’s movies; Sweet Smiles General Practice Dentistry had a booth; while one of the main attractions was the spinning wheel at the literacy booth, where children and adults alike won a literacy related prize after they spun the wheel.
Karina Galindo, a library employee, enthusiastically said, “Family Literacy Day is just as fun for us as it is for our patrons.” She said working at the library has been one of the best jobs she’s ever had and she love’s putting a smile on people’s faces.”