Realize Bradenton Announces
2nd Annual Children’s Book Fair and Family Fun Day
at the Bradenton Farmers’ Market
Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Old Main Street in Bradenton
It’s More Than A Market!
BRADENTON, FL— A children’s book fair is part of “Family Fun Day,” at the Bradenton Farmers’ Market, Saturday April 30, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., on Old Main Street, between Manatee Avenue West and 3rd Avenue West in downtown Bradenton. The event includes book signings with10 local authors and illustrators. Other family-fun activities include demonstrations by illustrators; storytelling; yoga for kids; crafts with artists from Village of the Arts; juggling, cooking and gardening demos, beekeeping demos and more. Ross Peterson, from the Manatee County Extension Office, will also demonstrate worm composting bins.
“A large part of the market’s mission is to include children and their families in creative and healthy lifestyle activities,” says Peg Haynes, the Bradenton Farmers Market’s manager. “We’re delighted to bring the 2nd annual Children’s Book Fair to the market in partnership with Manatee County libraries, the Village of the Arts and ABCBooks4Children&Adults. Combining a book fair for kids with other entertaining family activities is a natural match for the market.”
Authors attending include:
Lela Rast Hartsaw, author of “The Adventures of Abigail Rose,” about Ida Patten’s Antebellum doll as historical fiction, will entertain readers while candidly detailing a brief moment in history. Intended for children ages 8 to 108. Proceeds from the sale of this book will go toward upkeep and restoration of the historic Patten House on the Gamble Mansion property in Ellenton.
Susan Coulis, author of “The Lost Medallions of Ana Maria Cay: A Story of Anna Maria Island,” which follows the adventures of Polymra, a Timucuan Indian girl entrusted by her people to guard their sacred water source.
Authors and illustrators from the ABCBooks4Children&Adults group
Brenda Spalding, author of five children’s books for young readers up to age six. Three of her children’s books won awards at the 2013 state convention.
Dr. Robert Krupp, who calls himself “Florida’s Oldest Living Teacher,” is the author of the “Laura and Grandpa” series of science picture books for children ages 5 to 8. Dr. Krupp will demonstrate simple science experiments for kids.
Jacqueline Paske Gill, the author of four of the 14 published books she has illustrated.
Carole Stevens Bibisi, who wrote and illustrated “Tails of American Bronte,” a children’s book written from the perspective of a shelter cat.
Jane Webb, author of “My Super Stupendous Day at the Beach” and “Furry Friends.”
Diane Worthen, author of the “Tales From the Garden” series, “Oliver’s Wish” and “Ira Caterpillar learns to Scrump.”
Kristi Geib, who wrote and illustrated “Charlie and the Teddy Bear Ride.”
Jacqueline Paske Gill and Carole Stevens Bibisi will demonstrate the art of illustrating children’s books throughout the day.
Ongoing and rotating events include:
Storytellers: .Angelita Ortiz from the Power Speakers of Manatee County Government Toastmasters; Colleen O’Connor from the Bradenton Toastmasters Club; and Linda “Granny” Gaines, retired AmeriCorp/Vista worker for the Community Coalition on Homelessness.
Yoga for Kids with Mary Ann Ewert
Great riddles and juggling with Louis Najmy
Roaming Robots with the Haile Middle School VEX Robotics Team
- Family Food Fun
- 10 a.m: Kids Can Cook Too with the Najmy Family
- Learn How Your Food Grows booths
- Manatee County Extension office with composting worm bins
- Pure Florida Honey showcases beekeeping
- Future Farmers of America students from Lincoln Middle School in “Make and Take Seedling Pots”
- Manatee County Libraries’ “Sensory Station.” Explore foods using all of your senses.
- Village of the Arts – Crafts for Foodie Families
- Healthy Foods Scavenger Hunt: Explore the Farmers’ Market to complete the hunt the for healthy foods and win a prize.
About the Bradenton Farmers’ Market
The Bradenton Farmers’ Market, a production of Realize Bradenton, features more than 30 vendors who offer locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants, organic products, prepared foods, and the work of local artists and craftspeople. Live music, demonstrations by local chefs, and free family activities are also part of the fun. The market, located on Old Main Street, between Manatee Avenue West and 3rd Avenue West in downtown Bradenton, is open on Saturdays through May, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking is free and dogs on leashes are welcome. For more information, visit: www.BradentonFarmersMarket.com.
About Realize Bradenton
Realize Bradenton is a non-profit organization that brings people together to create a vibrant and prosperous Bradenton area. For more information, visit: www.RealizeBradenton.com.
