This Saturday, April 20, Riverfront Park in Conway will be the staging ground for a one-of-a-kind community event with something for everyone. The City of Conway and Literacy Alive, Horry County’s literacy coalition, present River Read, a nonprofit community festival celebrating literacy in Horry County, and the City of Conway as “The City that Reads.” (Get the full press release here.) Conway Councilwoman Barbara Blain-Olds and Mayor Alys Lawson will kick off the event promptly at 10:00 a.m., and local author Jim Rogers will serve as master of ceremonies. Nationally acclaimed South Carolina folk artist Jonathan Green and two-time Olympic hammer thrower and CCU alumna Amber Campbell will participate in a Celebrity Read at Center Stage directly after kick-off. Green will be on site for a short time to sign autographs. (Get the full line-up at RiverRead.org.)
Event Highlights
- Readings from local children’s authors
- Live illustrations
- Storybook Character Parade costume contest
- Poetry Slam
- Contests, prizes, and giveaways
- Book Exchange
- Live entertainment
River Read is presented by the City of Conway and Literacy Alive, and has only been possible because of the efforts and collaboration of Horry County Libraries, Coastal Carolina University, Waccamaw Community Foundation, Horry County Literacy Council, WBTW News 13, Sonic America’s Drive In, and many dedicated community organizations, volunteers, and business sponsors. River Read’s rain date is April 27.
About River Read
River Read was created in response to a Municipal Association of South Carolina challenge to identify a unique feature of one’s city, and utilize it to instill pride and a sense of community in its residents. Councilwoman Barbara Blain-Olds heard this call and drew upon her staunch support of promoting literacy in her community, a personal love of reading and the universal appeal it has for people to create this unique festival that brings all of our stories together in celebration of reading. For more information about River Read, visit our website at RiverRead.org or contact Barbara Blain-Olds at info@riverread.org. Be sure to “Like” River Read Festival on Facebook!