National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America Day, which celebrates Dr. Seuss's birthday and the joys of reading, expects more than 45 million readers, both young and old, to pick up a book and read. To honor the good doctor and celebrate the fun and value of reading, the Town of Taos Community Events, Taos Youth & Family Center, Taos Children’s Library, Twirl, A Play & Discovery Space, Inc., Taos Youth Ballet, and Taos Academy Charter School National Honor Society are asking you to join NEA and many of America's leading literacy, youth, and civic groups in bringing a nation of readers together under one hat, the red and white stovepipe made famous by the Cat in the Hat, for a flurry (or furry) of reading excitement! The Birthday Party is Friday, March 2, 2018 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Taos Youth & Family Center for children of all ages. The first 300 children will receive a free reading bag and a free book to children attending the Birthday Party. The schedule is as follows: Reading excerpts from The Lorax, that coincides with the Taos Youth Ballet performance, by Michael Dean the Morning Show Host from LUNA 96.7 (KLNN-FM), Reading of NEA’s Read Across America Proclamation by Mayor Dan Barrone, Sing Happy Birthday to The Cat in the Hat, enjoy Birthday Cookies, and 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM Taos Youth Ballet preforming excerpts from The Lorax. Ongoing activities include Balloon Animals, Activity Table, Bowling, Face painting, Dr. Seuss activity and listen to storybook reading of Dr. Seuss’ books. Special guests will be The Cat in the Hat, Lucky the Clown, and Thing 1 and 2. You may purchase hot dogs for $2.00, candy bars for $1.00, Ring Pops and small candy for .50¢, assorted chips for $1.00, Gatorade, soda, water, coffee, hot chocolate and French Vanilla cappuccino for $1.00. Proceeds will benefit the Taos Youth Hockey Association. Our goal is to show America's children the joy of reading and build a nation of readers-on March 2nd and every day. For more information NEA's Read Across America, visit www.nea.org/readacross and www.readacrossamerica.org and learn of other reading celebrations that are happening from coast to coast. Event brought to you by the Town of Taos Community Events, Taos Youth & Family Center, Taos Children’s Library, and sponsored in party by Twirl, A Play & Discovery Space, Inc., Taos Youth Ballet Taos Academy Charter School National Honor Society, National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America. For more information, call Judy Esquibel at 575-751-2037 or contact her via e-mail at jesquibel@taosgov.com. NEA’s Read Across America Poem You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild To pick up a book to read with a child. You’re never too busy, too cool, or too hot, To pick up a book and share what you’ve got. In schools and communities, Let’s gather around, Let’s pick up a book, Let’s pass it around. There are kids all around you, Kids who will need Someone to hug, Someone to read. Come join us March 2 Your own special way And make this America’s Read to Kids Day. ©Anita Merina