Library patrons feted magnificantly

Greetings, Library family!

The glorious weeks of summer reading are upon us and thus busiest time of year for our library begins. As always, we launched our program with the ever popular summer reading kick-off party on Saturday, June 2, located here at our establishment. For those unfortunate individuals who missed this momentous occasion let me break down all that occurred.

Library hours

Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Website: pearigecommunitylib…

Email: library@pearidgecom…

Patrons were welcomed onto our hallowed grounds by the family friendly hits from all generations thanks to the amazing DJ skills provided by Brock Entertainment. As their eyes adjusted to the scene in front of them, what promptly stood out was very likely our sizable bouncy house that the local Water Department kindly let us place in front of their building. Many a child spent their afternoon gleefully bouncing among their peers as parents and onlookers sought refuge from the uncaring summer heat in our community room where they were hastily served hotdogs, chips, popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones.

The courageous souls who decided to take on the heat were not sorry however! Along with the DJ and bouncy house was our very own Mary Maness deftly providing balloon animals, swords and crowns to the eagerly awaiting children and adults. Her skills amazed many and her dedication to the three-hour task will always be praised by myself as I looked upon her hands dyed orange by the balloons after our event. Located in the booth beside our Mary were the GY6ix organization providing bracelets, candy and coloring sheets to everyone. We can't thank them enough for their dedication to our town and its excellence!

That gratitude must also be extended to the amazing folks of our Police Department as well. Officer John Langham and his wife selflessly donated their time to grilling all of the delicious hotdogs provided to the event participants. Also braving the hot temperatures, with a smile on their faces, were many of our very own Friends of the Library members. The Friends had a booth dedicated to the selling of used books at rock bottom prices while also providing a raffle to participants for their chance at one of the many new books they had.

While many people were damp with perspiration, there were the lucky few drenched from their participation in the dunk tank. Adults and children gave it their all trying to hit the targets that would most assuredly send the awaiting library volunteers into the watery depths below. Located in the lovely AC-filled children's area of our library was the ever cheerful Debi Hale at one of the most popular booths present during the party, the cake walk. Ten delicately decorated cakes were donated by the local Butterstick Bakery and let me tell you they were more than appreciated by the winning children as their eyes took in all of their sugary decadence. Last of all, though first in the hearts of all those who patiently waited for their turn, were the prodigious face painting skills provided to us by Crystal Skahan. She blew us away at last year's event and this year was no different. If you are ever in the market for phenomenal face painting by a person with a heart of gold and a sweet voice to match then look no further than Crystal's Face Painting, my friends.

I would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of the patrons who came and partook of our party's events, and to those who donated their time to ensure that it was a hit. Here is a list of everyone to whom our little library owes gratitude to:

• Arvest Bank of Pea Ridge for their generous donation;

• The Optimist Club of Pea Ridge for their generous donation;

• Combs & White Family Dentistry of Pea Ridge for their generous donation;

• The Friends of the Pea Ridge Community Library for their generous donation and time;

• The Pea Ridge Neighborhood Market, Manager Tim, for his generous donation of hot dog buns;

• The Pea Ridge Fred's, Manager Brian, for his generous donation of waters and chips;

• Bright Futures for the snow cones and popcorn;

• Rebecca Tillman for the use of her cotton candy machine and her volunteering to man it;

• Butterstick Bakery for the gracious donation of cakes for our cake walk;

• Pea Ridge Police Department; and

• Volunteers of the Library and their families.

The Summer Reading Program is June 4- July 30 and is open to kindergarten through seventh-grade students and adults 18 and older. Individuals can sign up either on our Facebook page or at the front desk. For information or questions, please don't hesitate to call.

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Editor's note: Alex Wright is the director of the Pea Ridge Community Library.The opinions expressed are those of the writer. She can be reached at the library at 451-8442 or by email at [email protected].

Editorial on 06/06/2018