The tagline for the annual Toddler Fest, “Reading Is All the Buzz,” is true, but not descriptive of the Toddler Fest. As in previous years, the Greene County Community Center was busy as a beehive with pre-schoolers and toddlers enjoying all sorts of different activities as their parents encouraged them or played with them.
Children could try their hand with a lasso, with help from county supervisor Dawn Rudolph.
They could get their own balloon creation from magician Rick Eugene….
…or they could play in a soap bubble shower.
They could go grocery shopping just like Mom and Dad, and they could play on tumbling mats and in tunnels (while practicing the at-school skill of waiting in line.)
And as their parents strolled, they could pick up information on topics like child care, literacy, and safety.
They also got a preview of the State Library of Iowa’s Early Literacy and Summer Reading Program theme, “Every hero has a story.”
The Jefferson Rotary Club provided a book for every one of the 130 or so children who attended to take home, and Rotarians hosted reading time by the campfire.
Toddler Fest is a cooperative event sponsored by all six Greene County libraries and the Greene County board of supervisors and supported by many community partners and volunteers.
