By ELISE DALLEY
The Progress
The Moapa Valley Public Library was teeming with activity on Wednesday, May 25 as the annual kickoff for the Summer Reading Challenge program took place. Kids and parents of all ages congregated in the grassy backyard area of the Overton library facility for paints, snow cones, and fun.
Upon arriving, children were handed a cup of paint and a bubble wand. With these tools they were invited to create a beautiful art masterpiece. Sheets of paper were hung on the brick wall so that the delighted artists could paint to their heart’s content.
Siblings Haylie and Kevin Wilcox eagerly commented on their excitement of the day. “I really liked doing the painting!” said Haylie.
Her brother Kevin added, “I enjoyed it. I just picked a paper and did a painting that I could go crazy on and have fun with.”
After finishing their paintings, the youngsters eagerly got in line for some refreshing snow cones courtesy of local resident Scott Carson and his crew.
Local 7th graders Nathan Chow and Joseph Callinger both shared their delight in the success of the summer kickoff. “I had fun!” said Nathan. “I really like painting.” Callinger agreed by saying, “I always like to come to these things. I like doing the painting and the snow cones.”
Another local painter, Wyatt Eide agreed. “My favorite part was painting!” he said. “I had a lot of fun.”
Local librarians kept the kids’ paint stocked up and ready as the kids worked on their masterpieces. Jentrie Harvey, a 3rd grader, had good things to say about the summer kickoff. “I like coming to the library and doing art because I am an artist.”
Sadie Hatch enjoyed the summer kickoff as well, “I love my snowcone! And painting was so much fun!”
Overall, the summer kickoff was a success. Both children and parents are ready for the future fun activities planned for the whole summer.
Local Parent, Melissa Barnes stated, “I am just excited to have challenges and goals for my kids to have over the summer. It is important to stay motivated to learn, and for them to keep their brains moving. That is why we do the summer challenge.”
The summer challenge encourages kids to keep their education on track during the summer months when they are out of school. Kids can win great prizes for reading and logging their education activities during the summer.
This year, adults can also get in on the action. Those over 18 can participate for a chance to win items from the library bookstores, discount coupons from Pizza Hut and a chance to win a Grand Prize Package.
For details and summer reading recommendations go to lvccld.org/summerchallenge/.
