PUTNAM COUNTY
“Fun is good,” Dr. Seuss once said, and fun will be had this Saturday during the 10th annual Ferst Readers Seuss on the Loose Festival at Putnam County Primary School (162 Old Glenwood Springs Rd.), featuring a fun run and all things Seuss.
Fun Run registration begins at 9 a.m. at the primary school with the race starting a half hour later and prizes awarded to top finishers.
Inside fun begins at 10 a.m. in the school cafeteria, which will be filled with activities provided by local businesses and community organizations featuring all the favorite Dr.
Seuss characters. Tickets per inside activity are 50 cents, or a wristband can be purchased for $10 to participate in everything.
There also will be a silent auction for gifts provided by local businesses, while outside a local firefighter will be onsite to show off a shiny, red firetruck.
Also among the highlights, every year at Seuss on the Loose is the opportunity to see artworks created by Gatewood and Putnam County primary and elementary schoolchildren.
Several hundred local kids have submitted art projects for the annual Seuss on the Loose multi-media art contest sponsored by the Eatonton Service League. All art will be on display and winners will be recognized during the event.
Ferst Readers passionately believes that immersing a child from birth in a rich literacy environment strongly predicts academic achievement and success in life.
The more words a child hears, the larger her or his vocabulary will be, and the larger the child’s vocabulary, the more likely the child will be a proficient reader.
Seuss on the Loose is sponsored by Ferst Readers of Putnam County and all proceeds raised locally are used to provide free books, one each month, for registered children from birth to age 5.
These books are new, bookstore quality, and age-appropriate for each recipient.
All children in Putnam daycare facilities, preschool, and Head Start programs are automatically enrolled, but there will be a table at the event where younger Putnam County children can be registered to receive these books. Children also can be registered by visiting online at ferstreaders.org. To quote Dr. Seuss: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Ferst Readers of Putnam County accepts donations year-round from anyone who would like to sponsor a child, with just $42 enough to sponsor one child for a full year. Donations also can be sent by check to Ferst Readers, P.O. Box 4283, Eatonton, GA 31024.