The first annual Parables in the Park was held on Tuesday, September 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Bradley Park in Jasper. The drive thru literacy event served approximately 80 individuals from 60 families and included 8 vendors providing resources, 20 event volunteers. Approximately 300 books and 150 bottles of hand soap were given away.
The story chosen for this year’s Parables in the Park was “Harold and the Purple Crayon” by Crockett Johnson. Jasper Elementary’s Early Steps to School Success program and Dwayne Barnard, JES School Counselor, produced an audio recording of the book, given to families as they entered the park. Officer Poole with the Jasper Police Department, Jasper Elementary School’s Amazing Books club, and Jasper High School Art students participated in the story book presentation. The art students also provided the story book illustrations. Christie Poole of Jasper photographed the event. Volunteers included parents and grandparents, school staff and students, professionals within the community, and a local EHC Ladybug Club member.
All Parables in the Park Photographs by Christie Poole
During the event, many items were available for families including free books and educational resources provided by Jasper School District, hand soap from Save the Children’s first Gift in Kind donation to the community, coupons to Subway of Jasper and Andy’s Frozen Custard of Northwest Arkansas, and coloring books from Arkansas Game and Fish. Harps of Jasper provided paper sacks for families to put free resources in. The Newton County Library provided programming information, voter registration, and Imagination Library sign ups. Boston Mountain Rural Health Clinic gave away health kits while the Newton County Cooperative Extension Service and Anstaff Bank gave away goodie bags. The Kiwanis Club of Jasper and the Jasper PTO also recruited families to join local community service organizations.
The Early Steps program plans to host the second annual Parables in the Park event in October of 2021.
Jasper Summer T-ball, Baseball, and Softball season has come to a close after many fun-filled nights at Bradley Park. Willa Lewis (pictured above) runs home during one of the final games.