The seventh annual “Reading Under the Lights” is set for 7:15 p.m. Friday at Parkway Field. Sponsored by the Bradford Area School District and the ELF Fund, the event is family friendly. Families can bring blankets and their favorite books for an hour of reading fun with others from the area.
“This year’s special read-aloud book is titled ‘Dragons Love Tacos,’” said event chair Heather Bell. “Our celebrity guest reader will be Bradford City firefighter and paramedic, Lt. Cathy Mealy. We figured since our book is about a fire-breathing dragon, it makes sense to have a firefighter close by.”
The book is written by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri. Readers are informed that dragons like any kind of tacos, but adding salsa may not end well.
Bell also let The Era know the ‘dragon’ will be making a guest appearance, in case families would like to have their family picture taken.
In a world of instant response and high-speed technology, it is encouraging to hear that the response to “Reading Under the Lights” continues to be favorable and to grow.
“Last year was our most well-attended Reading Under the Lights event yet. We had over 100 families in attendance, with nearly 300 people,” Bell said. “This is our seventh year holding the event, and the second year that it has been sponsored by the ELF Fund of Bradford.
“We ask families to bring their blankets and favorite books from home to read on the field. Each child will also receive a free book of their choosing, in addition to the read aloud book.”
This event garners a lot of attention from students in the school district, encouraging families to take time out and focus on reading.
“This is one of the most beloved events of the families in our community. I think it comes down to the simplicity of it all — getting families together to just READ for fun,” Bell said. “That’s it. It’s what we all want, as teachers, administrators, as parents, as community members — families to spend quality time together, doing something that can enrich their lives.”
Just a note for those who enjoy Friday’s read, there is always Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel.
