Dr. Seuss is on the loose as agencies in Chattanooga and Cleveland, Tenn., prepare to celebrate the author's birthday this weekend.
Chattanooga
United Way of Greater Chattanooga has presented Read Across Chattanooga activities all week at Hamilton Place mall's Center Stage, and celebrity book readings continue tonight from 6 to 7 with James Howard and Azusa Dance. The book of the evening will be "Green Eggs and Ham." The Cat in the Hat will visit, Siskin Children's Institute will offer a literacy activity for kids and their parents to enjoy, and free book enrollments will be offered.
Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the weeklong celebration culminates with a huge Dr. Seuss birthday party. Book readings, snacks, arts and crafts, prizes while they last, a visit from the Cat in the Hat and a "Happy Birthday" serenade will be featured.
The book of the day will be "The Cat in the Hat" and other Seuss selections. Featured celebrity readers will be Mayor Ron Littlefield, Sen. Andy Berke, Don Welch of WTVC-TV and emcee Julie Edwards from WRCB-TV.
The first 500 children to attend Saturday's party will receive a free Dr. Seuss book, courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga and United Way's Project Ready for School.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., children can get a learning check-up at the Emerson Russell Play Area in the mall. Families also get a free family pass to the Creative Discovery Museum for every child who has a learning checkup.
All activities are free. For more information, call 752-0300 or visit www.LiveUnitedChattanooga.org.
Cleveland
Cleveland State Community College's Early Childhood Education program will host its ninth annual Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the campus library.
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss is free to children of all ages; but all children must be accompanied by an adult. Each child will receive a goody bag and may participate in literacy-related activities assisted by students in Cleveland State's language and literacy development class.
The first 800 children will receive a free Dr. Seuss book, compliments of the Kiwanis Club of Cleveland, and one child will win a special edition of "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish."
Literacy-related activities will be set up inside and outside the library, and the young participants will be entertained with Dr. Seuss stories, including some readings in Spanish.
Other activities will include face painting, egg decorating, hat making, fishing and balloon art. Refreshments and door prizes will be provided.
For information, call Suzanne Wood, the ECED program coordinator, at 423-472-7141, ext. 282.