Event celebrates children, literacy—April 19, 2013
Have you ever wondered why we have Mother’s Day and Father’s Day but not Children’s Day? Author Pat Mora’s children had asked her this question, so when she learned of a Hispanic tradition called El dia del nino, the Day of the Child, she decided to promote it throughout the United States. However, she decided to link the celebration of children with a celebration of literacy, and with the help of librarians Dia de los Ninos / Dia de los Libros (Children’s Day / Book Day) was born.
The first celebrations were held in 1997 in cities such as Santa Fe, El Paso, and Tucson, where they have become annual events. They have also spread and are now celebrated in many more communities throughout the country. Hastings will be celebrating its 6th annual Dia Festival on Sunday, April 28, 2013, at the City Auditorium from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
The Dia Festival in Hastings has received generous support from area businesses over the past years and is offered free of charge to everyone in the community. Volunteers from community organizations such as the YWCA, MOPS, Hastings Museum, Hastings Police Department, and Hastings Literacy Program will man booths with games and crafts for children. Each child age 12 and younger will receive a free book at the Hastings Public Library’s booth. There will also be cake and punch for all.
Bring the whole family and join us for the fun at the 6th annual Children’s Day / Book Day Festival at the Hastings City Auditorium on Sunday, April 28, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. And it’s free—what could be better!
