The 14th annual Toddler Fest is happening this weekend at the Greene County Community Center in Jefferson.

All two to five-year-olds and their parents or guardians are invited to participate in over 20 activity stations this Saturday from 10am to noon. Jefferson Children’s Librarian Terry Clark describes some of the booths the kids can enjoy.

“We’ve been reading books about ‘Spot the Dog’ for years and now we actually get to meet Spot at Toddler Fest. And you can meet some of our local police officers, deputies, firemen and emergency medical technicians. Magician Rick Eugene will be entertaining with his magical balloon creations and magic tricks too.”

Each child will receive a free book to take home, courtesy of the Jefferson Rotary Club, plus you can enter drawings to win donated prizes. Greene County Public Health will have a child passenger station available, but you must call to schedule an appointment with them at 386-3228. The theme is “Reading is All the Buzz” and Clark reminds everyone that Toddler Fest encourages all children to be readers.

“Toddler Fest provides a special time for you and your child to enjoy these fun activities and it’s all free. But reading is another special bonding time you can enjoy with your child. Just 15 minutes everyday reading to your child encourages the development of essential pre-reading skills needed for your child to be a reader.”

Toddler Fest is free and no pre-registration is necessary. Plus, Raccoon Valley Radio’s Big Red Radio will be there broadcasting live from 9am to noon. You can hear more from Clark and Library Director Jane Millard about other library-related topics on Thursday’s Community State Bank in Paton Let’s Talk Greene County program.