Anson County Partnership for Children’s celebration of young children and those who serve as caregivers and child care providers is the week of April 15 through 21.

The Week of the Young Child is a nationwide community celebration, and the Partnership will host daily activities for young children and families, as it does each year.

The Partnership, the Anson County Domestic Violence Coalition and volunteers will kick the week off by placing blue pinwheels in front of the courthouse at 7:30 a.m. April 16.

“Blue pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse prevention,” said Alexandria Harrinton, literacy and community outreach coordinator at the Partnership. “The pinwheel whimsy and childlike notions are reminders of the great childhoods we want for all children.”

Children in Pre-K, kindergarten, and child care will participate in the annual Literacy Parade on April 17, starting at 10 a.m.

The children will honor the play “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” performed by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, by wearing their penguin costumes.

“We highly encourage the public to participate as spectators for the children in the parade,” Harrington said.

Anson County families are invited to the free evening performance of “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” that night at 6 p.m. at the Ansonia Theatre.

Although the performance is free, attendees are asked to reserve tickets by calling at 704-694-4036 or coming by the Anson County Partnership for Children office in uptown Wadesboro. Guests are required to get a free ticket at the Partnership before attending.

“Mr. Popper’s Penguins” is sponsored by Anson Family Optometric, PPLC, Anson County Arts Council and the Partnership.

“Children of all ages will watch in amazement and laugh out loud as the comical story of Mr. Popper’s Penguins is brought to life on stage,” Harrington said.

The play is based on the children’s book written by Richard and Florence Atwater, with illustrations by Robert Lawson.

“It tells the story of a family whose world is turned upside down after they unexpectedly come into possession of penguins,” she said. “Before long, something must be done before the penguins eat the Poppers out of house and home.”

There will be a “Special Me” Storytime, April 18 at 10 a.m. in the Early Childhood Resource Center. Child care centers and individuals are welcome to attend. The Partnership requests that reservations be made for for groups larger than five.

“The storytime is to celebrate the joys of being unique,” Harrington said.

Following the story reading, children will get the chance to make crafts and end the morning with a light snack.

The fun will continue Wednesday with a Play Daze event at Little Park from 4-6 p.m.

Play Daze is an event that encourages families to play outside for the sake of play. Families and child care facilities are welcome with children ages 3 through 9.

“Parents are invited to join their children as play partners and learn how free, creative physical play is an educational opportunity that enhances their child’s development,” Harrington said. “Some of the activities planned are fort-building, a bubble station, mud play, sand, dirt, dramatic play, and loose parts.”

For further details, contact Alexandra Harrington at 704-694-4036 or alexandra.harrington@ansonchildren.org.

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By Natalie Davis

ndavis@ansonrecord.com