Downtown Clayton was home to the Big Read last weekend. An event I regret to remark, I have been unaware of until this year. I'm only too sorry I've missed past events as the afternoon proved to be filled with fun activities and wonderful opportunities for the entire family! My first visit to The Big Read was spent disguised as one one of the best loved literary characters of all time, The Cat in the Hat! I did not take this responsibility lightly. I had volunteered to wear the costume as soon as the request arrived in my inbox, but honestly had no idea what this position entailed. I'd seen enough of characters parading down the streets, or the school mascot at sports events that I knew it looked fun and definitely wanted to try my hand behind the mask.
The Channel 9 Booth was situated out in front of the Kids tents so there were lots of smiling and energetic kids to say hi to. The hour and 45 minutes spent as the Cat were a blast! As I'm already outgoing and friendly, having a large costume covering me brought out my inner kid. Skipping up and down Central St, waving at passers by, posing for photos with kids and adults, starting a can-can line, and bringing smiles to as many fair goers as possible just made the afternoon so special! A couple of younger boys were thrilled to see one of their favorite TV characters walking around and I suddenly became the receiver of regular hug attacks followed by a high pitched squeal of delight and a race around the near by tents, to return for another round. Hug, squeal, run! this pattern was repeated many times. It's a good thing he couldn't see my face as I had a hard time controlling my giggles.
Kids and Parents alike stopped by to check out our KETC guide, and pick up one of the fun Super Y tattoos or Cat in the Hat book marks we had available. Cat in the Hat had many visitors impressed that he was popular enough to have his own book mark.
Cat in the Hat spotted Corduroy, Madeline, Clifford and a few other childrens book characters chatting to excited kids.
A Cats eye view down the street, next to our Channel 9 booth.
A brief pause in between photo opps. Mom's and dad's couldn't resist snapping several pictures of excited kids with the energetic Cat. Every now and then fun poses were even attempted.
Notice the stilt walker in the background? She played the ukulele and I had a blast dancing around for a small audience. A few kids even joined in!
Nearby tents were filled with kids working on a variety of fun craft projects. Decorating mini pumpkins, coloring in fun fall pictures, making journals, and much more!
Even the heat was bearable once I became accustomed to taking smaller breaths to conserve energy and make the most of the smaller air hole in the costume head. My own kids had come along, and I was impressed that they managed to keep quiet about the true identity of the very popular Cat in the Hat.
But I had to sneak in a couple of hugs and pictures.
No one was too old for pictures with the Cat!
Taking the time to decide whether this big Cat was approachable or not was frequent among the smaller guests.
But the Cat tended to win them over in the end!
What a great way to spend the weekend! I can't wait till next year! I'll definitely be awaiting the next chance to spend some Dr Seuss time, and embrace my inner Cat in the Hat. You're never too old to stir up a bit of mischief!
Stay tuned for more from Channel 9! I've got loads to dish and I want you to be the first to hear! :D
Keep Smiling!
Downtown Clayton was home to the Big Read last weekend. An event I regret to remark, I have been unaware of until this year. I'm only too sorry I've missed past events as the afternoon proved to be filled with fun activities and wonderful opportunities for the entire family! My first visit to The Big Read was spent disguised as one one of the best loved literary characters of all time, The Cat in the Hat! I did not take this responsibility lightly. I had volunteered to wear the costume as soon as the request arrived in my inbox, but honestly had no idea what this position entailed. I'd seen enough of characters parading down the streets, or the school mascot at sports events that I knew it looked fun and definitely wanted to try my hand behind the mask.
A brief pause in between photo opps. Mom's and dad's couldn't resist snapping several pictures of excited kids with the energetic Cat. Every now and then fun poses were even attempted.
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