Main Street Kent presents “The Day the Crayons Quit” Story Walk, a fun, family-friendly activity promoting literacy, activity, fresh air and community. In partnership with Talk On Speech-Language Therapy and Kent Free Library, activities will be more accessible to children of varying abilities for this edition of the story walk.
Main Street Kent is a non-profit organization focused on the revitalization of downtown Kent.
All are invited to head to Kent to read “The Day the Crayons Quit“, by Drew Daywalt, in several downtown business windows from May 1-31, 2021. Talk On has added picture-based summary sentences of each page to add visual support and to increase access for those who use augmentative and alternative communication methods. They have also added interactive “mystery” flaps to help children become more active participants in the story.
“Calley Mitchell has joined MSK as a volunteer, eager to help in our work and excited to take our story walks to the next level so more people can enjoy them,” says Main Street Kent executive director Heather Malarcik.
The story will begin on May 1 at McKay Bricker Framing & Gallery (141 E. Main St.), where printed maps will be available; or the map can be downloaded at mainstreetkent.org/events/story-walk-kent. Each window display will indicate the next business to visit in order to continue the story. The book’s crayon characters will be hiding inside each of the participating businesses too, so kids can try to find them as they make stops for snacks and shopping. Children are also invited to participate in a coloring contest at the Kent Free Library, where coloring pages and crayon packs will be available for pickup (in person or at the library drive-thru) during the month of May. Prizes will be awarded in three age groups: 0-3, 4-6, and 7-10. The story can also be enjoyed at an online “story time” with Shelley Hall, Kent Free Library Youth Services Manager, on the library’s YouTube Channel (visit the event page above for the link).
“We’re happy to bring another Story Walk to the community, as the need for outdoor activity is still in high demand. With the school year coming to an end, this will be a great opportunity to get out and do something healthy and educational,” Malarcik says. “Working with Talk On and the Kent Free Library has helped expand the story walk concept, and we hope more people will take the opportunity to enjoy it, exploring some shops and restaurants along the way.”
For complete event information, please visit mainstreetkent.org/events/story-walk-kent.
