Andalusia Coterie Club will mark an important milestone in their 50th annual Storybook Festival and 20th Annual Coterie Run for Kids on Saturday, May 6.
The Storybook Festival at Springdale is open to the public for free. The gates will begin around 1 p.m. prior to the event starts around 2 p.m. Participants are required to dress up as their most beloved Golden Book character for the race.
“The Storybook Festival has been an integral part of our community. It has provided numerous opportunities for families and youngsters to read and participate in interactive activities. The festival has been a key element of the growth of our community and played a major role in encouraging literacy among the children of our region,” Coterie President Destiny Smith declared. “It is awe-inspiring to achieve this milestone in history,” Vice President Mellisa King said.
The registration for the 5K race will take place on the lawn in front at City Hall beginning at 7 a.m. The event is open to all races, the 5K starts around 8 a.m. and costs cost of $25 until the 5th of May on Friday and $30 on the day of the race. Meredith’s Mile Run/Walk for those aged 3-12 will begin around 9:00 a.m. and costs priced at $15. A no-cost Tot Trot for ages 0-4 begins at 9:45 a.m. before the presentation of awards starting at 10:30 a.m.
The race applications can be found on Dairy Queen, Andalusia Health and Fitness, Daisy Cleaners, Walmart Pharmacy, Bailey’s Pharmacy, Darby’s Village Pharmacy, SanBuck Insurance, USA Gym, CCB Bank, and Southeast Gas. T-shirts that range from small youth to 2XL are available at a cost of $25 or $15 for Tot Trot participants.
All profits from this Coterie Run will be distributed to the county.
“We accept applications for scholarships to high school senior in an area of study that benefits children. We’ve given more than 12 cash scholarships of $250. We also installed an Little Library at the Miracle Field as a means to give back to the community and our kids. Reading is an essential element in the lives of children,” King said.
The women expressed their gratitude for their participation in this year’s Storybook Festival.
“This event embodies my beliefs that I value like community, education and family. As a governing official it is my duty to ensure that the community is able to participate in occasions and programs that foster development and growth, and this Storybook Festival is one of the events that promote growth and development,” Smith said.
“I am awestruck by the children’s smiles when stories are read out. They are super excited and are enthralled,” King stated.
The Storybook Festival has impacted the community for a number of years.
“I am excited to watch that the Coterie Club celebrate this momentous occasion with the assistance the local drama organizations, PBS/APT, and The Pied Pipers,” Smith explained. “We are all incredibly proud of our city and want to help to keep it thriving the best way they can,” King added.
Meredith’s Miracles will be hosting surprise guests Mickey as well as Minnie. Grit as well as Grind Coffee as well as Smash Mouth Foods will be at the location, with juice and water bottles, popcorn as well as sugar cookies to purchase. Kids can get involved in crafts activities, and also receive glitter tattoos at no cost.
This Storybook Festival has been successful over the years due to the collaboration of.
“This is a no-cost event, which means everyone wants to attend and enjoy the short stories. Many hours of planning and hard work is put into this event every year. We would like to express our gratitude to Destiny Smith and Kelly for their dedication to The Storybook Festival. Debbie Maraman and I have made the race happen. Our club is an excellent team and we are looking to share these fantastic events with our neighbors,” King said.
The thank you sponsors for this year are: Beacon of Hope ABA, Southeast Gas, PowerSouth, CCB Community Bank, Covington Electric Cooperative, Rabren, Odom, Pierce & Hayes, P.C., Zaxby’s, Gitty Up-N-Go, John and Faye Vick, Splash Hopper Express Wash, Balanced Family Healthcare, Three Notch Orthodontics, Murphy & Murphy Attorneys, P.C., Moore and Moore Tires, Lena Ellen Boutique, Hammett Drilling Company, Carolina Millwork and Truss, Walker Electric, Harper Electric Construction Company, South Central Medical Center, Covington Obstetrics & Gynecology, Blue Bird Coffee Company, Quality Inn, Splash Hopper Express Wash, Bailey’s Pharmacy, Andalusia Tire Company, Darby’s Village Pharmacy, Sharyn Smith State Farm, O’Neal Agency, Earl Johnson, Attorney, Foreman-Brown Funeral Home, Ron Nall State Farm, Roger’s Refrigeration, First South Farm Credit, Davis & Associates, Spurlin Accounting, Andalusia Dental Group, Guardian Angel Christian Daycare and Academy, Bass Agency Real Estate, Blackston Quality Eye Care, Tillman Family Eye Care Covington Casket Casey Propane, White, McClung & Barber LLC, Walmart Andalusia, David’s Catfish, SanBuck Insurance, and Covington Pediatrics P.C.
It is a part of The Parnassus Club, the Coterie Club was founded in the month of October 1948. It donates to various organizations like Andalusia City Schools, Covington County Schools, Distinguished Young Women, Meredith’s Miracles, Community Christmas, the Covington County Child Advocacy Center Covington Arts Council, South Alabama Mental Health and senior scholarships.
“The Storybook Festival has been an adored tradition that has cultivated an appreciation for literature within our community for over fifty years. I am honored to be participant in this festival and am looking to be a part of celebrating this historic anniversary with fellow members of the community,” Smith said.
For more details, contact Mellisa King at 334-504-1469.
The article GOLDEN Anniversary: Coterie plans 50th Storybook Festival 5K run on Saturday on May 6 was first published in The Andalusia Star-News.
