Rockin' & Reading Literacy Festival Splashes Color on Reading

The very first Rockin’ and Reading Literacy Festival was held at Fleming Park in Colton this past Friday, Sept. 27. The City of Colton, Colton Joint Unified School District and Colton Community Services came together to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of California State funded literacy services as well as National Literacy Month. The festival was filled with community members and children. Whether the kids were drawing chalk on the sidewalk, playing football in the grass, or listening to the book readings, children of all ages were filled throughout Fleming Park. There was a cut-out called “Superhero Me”, that attendees could stick there faces through to have a superhero body that got a lot of the children’s attention. The line seemed to get longer throughout the night for that specific attraction. There were also booths that were selling snacks, and one booth even had shaved ice, freshly-brewed iced tea, and lemonade. “Latin Flair” was also there, setting up on the stage and playing music throughout the Festival. After the music, Disney’s Monster University screened right there in the park. Principal Mrs. L. Mannes and Assistant Principal Mrs. B. Rodriguez of Paul J. Rogers Elementary in Colton had a booth set up at the event that was filled with crayons, glue sticks, scissors, and other school supplies for the children to use. Since their banner displaying the name of their school was covered in school supplies on the table, they brushed everything off before they took a picture. “Let’s make sure ‘Paul J. Rogers’ gets in the picture,” Rodriguez said proudly while laughing. After book-readings from multiple people, Mayor Sarah Zamora gave a brief speech and proclaimed September of 2014 Adult Literacy Awareness Month. Colton Library Supervisor Edward Pedroza was the representative from the library that accepted the proclamation from Mayor Zamora. Mayor Zamora said, “I recognize the efforts of individuals and organizations that participate in public awareness programs and educational activities that emphasize the importance of adult literacy. Therefore I, Mayor of the City of Colton, along with my fellow council members do hereby proclaim September of 2014 as Adult Awareness Month.”