Children and families are invited to start their summer vacation by attending the 16th annual “D.E.A.R. at the Zoo - Drop Everything and Read” event, sponsored by the READ Association of Saginaw County. Summer reading is the best time to read for pleasure! The popular one day literacy event, which promotes and encourages summer and family reading, will be held on Wednesday, June 21 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square, 1730 S. Washington in Saginaw. All children who attend will have the opportunity to select a new book to take home and keep for their own.
Sixteen organizations and businesses will partner with READ and provide literacy activities and prizes during the hours of 10 am to 3 pm throughout the zoo grounds. Booth sponsors and partners include: Barnes and Noble Saginaw, Boy Scout Troop 342, CAN Council Great Lakes Bay Region, the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History, Children's Zoo at Celebration Square, Freezie's Photo Booth, Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum, Mid Michigan Waste Authority, Public Libraries of Saginaw, Covenant HealthCare Foundation Reach Out and Read Program, Saginaw Community Foundation FORCE Youth Advisory Committee, Saginaw County Birth to 5 Program, Saginaw YMCA Summer Youth Program, St. Mary’s of Michigan, Target and Wildfire Credit Union.
Michigan Author Brynne Barnes will be the visiting author and is noted for her fun and informative programs for all ages. Her 12:00 noon program during the event will encourage children and families to join in while she shares some of her newest books. Brynne Barnes is the author of two picture books; Colors of Me and Books do not Have Wings. The books will be available at the Zoo for purchase and author signing. Brynne is an educator, a speaker, and a poet. Her debut book, "Colors of Me" has received numerous awards including the 2012 Friends of American Writers Literary Award.
New this year, local musicians Leo and Merry Feith will join in on the festivities to add children's music to the event. The event will also feature many literacy activities and summer reading ideas, including making a photo bookmark and appearances by costume characters and puppets. Selected books will be read in the Zoo Amphitheater throughout the day.
All activities of the D.E.A.R. event are included in the zoo admission price, which is $5 for adults and children (infants through 11 months are free). Group Rates are available by calling 759-1408 prior to the event. Carousel and Train Rides are $1 per person per ride. Zoo members get in and ride FREE! For directions and more information about the Zoo visit www.saginawzoo.com This event is held rain or shine, except for severe inclement weather. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Mid Michigan Children's Museum, 315 W. Genesee.