Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Carroll County has enrolled just over 2,000 children from infant to five years in its reading program since 2017, and is marking the milestone in a big way.
The public is invited to a Celebration and Fundraiser at Gotahold Brewery on Thursday, July 20 from 5 – 7 p.m. The family and dog-friendly event is jam packed with live music, contests, entertainment, a book swap, food, beverages, and an opportunity to support the benefits of having books in the home.
The event kicks off with DJ Spenser Stover, and entertainment includes a Dolly Parton Karaoke plus songs and storytelling by Opal Agafia and mom, DeAnna Smith.
There will be prizes in a judged “Doggie Parton” Costume Contest for real and stuffed dogs dressed Dolly-style. Contestants can also get friends to stuff their People’s Choice ballot box with dollar bills, each equal to a vote. The most donations wins.
For those who don’t have a dog but want to compete, Fabulous Furry Forest Friends can create a canine companion for you from recycled plastic fiber. (Nine water bottles make one skin.) After a Furry Friend is chosen, they will custom fill it and provide a “Doggy Parton” costume. Animals cost $35 and outfits are $10. For each animal, $5 is donated to the library along with $1 for each costume.
The real dogs will close the competition with the Doggy Parton parade and award ceremony.
Parton fans will want to sign up for the Dolly Parton Trivia Contest for $10 per team of five or less. There’s also a contest to find 50 hidden Imagination Library Buttons and an opportunity to donate toward a crafted, embroidered Adult Reading Pillow.
A special menu from the Twisted Taco Food truck includes a Dolly Parton Tennessee Taco loaded with shredded BBQ chicken topped with Dolly’s creamy coleslaw. Just Bee created a special hot or iced coffee blend for the evening named Cherry Valance.
Event proceeds will go toward the purchase and mailing of age-appropriate developmental books free to the homes of registered children from birth to age five in Carroll County to promote pre-K literacy and family bonding. Contest prizes are furnished by Equity Bank, Ozark Zipline, Sparky’s Roadhouse, Visa Gift Cards from 1st National Title, and others.
There will be a recognition of the 2,000th family to be registered in the Imagination Library program, and area mayors and various school officials will be introduced. The public is encouraged to bring books to swap and meet some of the children and families who receive books from the program.
“We have been overwhelmed by community and business support for this event,” Event Chair Peggy Lodewyks said. “It is shaping up to be one of the largest fundraising efforts we have planned. We couldn’t have done it without the help of Wendy and David Hartmann and Gotahold Brewing. They are passionate about literacy and understand the importance of getting books into the hands of children as early as possible improving that child’s future job perspective, economic security, social interactions, problem solving capabilities, stability, and quality of life.
“We invite everyone to join our mission to help every child in Carroll County learn to read through the gift of books mailed to their homes. Our cost is $26 per child per year for up to 5 years, or $130 in all. Without Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library these same books would cost $230 per year per child or $1,150 for 5 years, plus postage. Since Nov 2017, we have registered 2,010 children and purchased and mailed over 42,000 books”
Performer Opal Agafia is also a fan of the program. “Imagination Library allows children the opportunity to see beyond what they know and step into a new world with the turn of a page. Young minds are the future, and their imagination leads to ideas which lead to change. The Imagination Library gives hope to children and hope is a powerful thing,” Agafia said.
All on-line donations through July 31 at carrollcountyyouthliteracyrotaryfoundation-bloom.kindful.com will be entered into an August 1 drawing for a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card, donated by Melodye Purdy of Purdy Arts, Eureka Springs.
For more information, or to sign up for dog costume and trivia contests, call/text (479) 244-9595. Click Event Calendar at www.gotahold.beer for schedule.