The Crenshaw County Children Policy (CPC) has planned a slate of community events aimed at providing resources to area residents.

District Judge Jon M. Folmar, CPC chairman, recently announced the First Annual Strawberry Festival will be held on Friday, March 7, at the Luverne United Methodist Church Dei Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. During the Festival, the council will serve strawberry shortcakes, available for a donation to benefit the Dolly Parton Foundation Partnership which provides free books to children from birth to age 5. 

“This is our annual fund raiser to raise money for the purchase of these books to provide to our area children,” said Crenshaw County Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Heather Coots. “Come by and eat some strawberry shortcake and ice cream and give a donation to help our area children explore their love for reading.” 

Folmar said there is nothing like seeing the eyes of a young child light up when an adult sits down and reads to them. 

“Their little imaginations soar to new heights while their young minds develop,” Folmar said. 

“We plan to expand this event each year to include fun games and activities for the children while everyone enjoys a delicious strawberry shortcake with ice cream,” Coots said. Future plans include the potential for the addition of bounce houses, vendors and more.

Coots said the partnership received an initial grant to launch the library program. With the addition of children enrolled, grant funds are spent down and the council is working to ensure the program keeps going.

“We’re doing these events as fundraisers for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library,” Coots explained. “We have 244 kids [enrolled] already. There are 700 kids that are five and under in the county. At 244 kids, $2 per month, we’re at [a cost of] $488 per month.”

A Dollywood Foundation grant provided initial funding for the program. Fundraisers like those happening this weekend are planned to ensure children continue receiving free books.

In recognition of Read Across America Week, the council is partnering with the Luverne Public Library to sponsor “The Magic Of Reading” a children’s event to be held at the library March 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Offerings will include a free magic show, food, fun and games for young children. 

“Judge Folmar and other dignitaries will be present to allow anyone, for a donation to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, to throw a pie in their face,” Coots said.

Other events the council has planned include:

* April 7 – Autism Night: An evening for parents of children with Autism, this event connects families with vendors and resources for living with Autism.

* April 12 – Easter Egg Hunt: The council is partnering with Crenshaw County Sheriff Terry Mears to host an Easter Egg Hunt and visit from the Easter Bunny.

* April 21 – Alzheimer’s Family Night: Similar to Autism Night, this event connects families living with Alzheimer’s with community resources.

* July – In July, the council will host a summer cookoff. Community members are invited to prepare their favorite dish. The council will compile a cookbook from the best recipes. The exact date and time will be announced later.

* October – In October, the council plans to host a haunted house and invites local schools to provide students to staff the event. Students can earn community service hours for their efforts. More information will be provided once dates and times are determined.

For more information on the Children’s Policy Council’s work and upcoming events, contact Folmar’s office by calling (334) 335-6568.