News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

The annual Family Literacy Festival at Marie Sharpe Elementary School yesterday highlighted acitivities, programs and organizations in Williams Lake that suppport children and families. Babies, kids and parents participated in face painting, games, a book walk, a giant Boggle game, drawing and colouring and more. They heard stories, got to choose free books to take home, create with foam noodles and play in a giant sandbox filled with black-shelled sunflower seeds. 

There was free food and handouts, including colourful balloons, crayons, kazoos and much more. Wise Owl Toys provided hands-on climbing fun toys and activities and kids had the opportunity to have their picture taken with beloved children's literature character Geronimo Stilton. 

Mike Grace held a large group of youngsters spellbound, while he shared a hilarious story about the Big Bad Wolf, in complete lupine costume, and with accompanying nasal explosions. There were impromptu puppet shows and paper crowns for every child. 

A colourful, inviting, whimsical rug added decor and comfort to the Success by 6 music tent where children piled in and got to explore musical rhythm instruments from around the world. Local Success by 6 Coordinator LeRae Haynes played acoustic guitar and sang songs with the children, including 'You Need Your Skin' and 'Chicken Lips and Lizard Hips' and the Alphabet Song. 

There were booths by the Early Childhood Development Network, including SD#27, Child Care Resource and Referral (Make Children First), Ministry of Children and Families, Success by 6, Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy, Child Development Centre and Public Health. 

The main funder for the event was Success by 6 and it was also supported by local media, Wise Owl Toys, Subway and Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy.

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