Reading was “All the Buzz” at 16th annual Toddler Fest

Special to the Jefferson Herald

Greene County toddlers and their families made a beeline for the Greene County Community Center on Saturday, April 22 to attend the 16th annual Toddler Fest.

Toddler Fest, an event for children ages 2 – 5, encourages early literacy and promotes learning through play. This year, 255 attendees turned out to celebrate with Greene County libraries and their community partners. Toddlers enjoyed 12 different activity stations, from “sailing” in the duck pond and fishing area to shaking their sillies out on the gymnastics and tumbling mats.

Even Llama Llama, the titular character from the Anna Dewdney children’s series, was in attendance. Children could take pictures with him – or say hello from a distance away! Face painting, make-and-take bee crafts, and balloon animals were also available.

Families were able to enter two prize drawings. The winners of our Bee Hive Drawing, Adam Bardole and Jetta Lawrence, received a board book and a Squishmallow. The winners of our $10 Beef Certificate drawing, courtesy of the Greene County Farm Bureau, were Eva Smith, Harper Schweers, Hazel Luce, Eve Hayes, Reegan Hanigan, and Karley Wood.

Each toddler received a free book from the Jefferson Rotary Club, a donut hole from Dunkers by Matt, a yogurt cup and some fruit from W.I.C., and a resource bag from Partnerships 4 Families and other early literacy providers.

Families learned about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program, and their local and county libraries.

Community partners for Toddler Fest were: Dunkers by Matt, Fareway, Greene County Community Center, Greene County High School, Greene County Farm Bureau, H.O.P.E.S., Jefferson Rotary Club, Partnerships 4 Families, W.I.C., and Tri-County Lumber. Over 60 Greene County community members volunteered their time as well.

Toddler Fest is a cooperative event sponsored by the Greene County Librarians Association and the Greene County Board of Supervisors.