The sun did not shine, but it wasn’t too wet to play at a celebration for Dr. Seuss’ 106th birthday Tuesday afternoon at Westside Park.
Eight-year-old Ellie Donelan enjoys reading Dr. Seuss books, so when she saw the Cat in the Hat greeting children at the event, she ran over to him.
UF’s Florida Education Association, a part of the National Education Association, threw the party celebrating Read Across America Day, which always falls on Seuss’ birthday and encourages children to read, said Laura Roberts, the association’s president.
The organization gave away books to about 60 children, Roberts said.
Children sat at picnic tables to eat snacks, do crossword puzzles and look through more than 300 books donated by professors from the UF College of Education.
“This is so much fun and it puts something really fun into your day,” Ellie said. “And I’ve been looking for something new to read.”
The Florida Education Association has been planning this event since October and advertised the birthday party on local radio stations.
Members of Kappa Delta Pi, an education honor society, also helped at the party.
Jaclyn Savino, the president of Kappa Delta Pi at UF, said the event provided an opportunity for education majors to work in the community.
She said some students in Gainesville may not be able to afford books but should still be exposed to reading at a young age.
The rain and cold weather did not prevent families from coming to meet the Cat in the Hat.
Ben Wise, father of 5-year-old Henry and 4-year-old Spencer, said the event was great for his kids.
“They can see that other people enjoy reading besides their dad,” Wise said.
Earlier on Tuesday, volunteers from the UF’s Florida Education Association and Club Creole read to five first grade classes at Idylwild Elementary.
They also made Cat in the Hat hats with the children.
