Bess the Book Bus returning to Shiretown

    For the third straight year, the Aid for Kids organization will be hosting “Bess the Book Bus” and children’s fair on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the John Millar arena in Houlton. Shriner clowns will be on hand to help provide entertainment for the children.
    Bess the Book Bus is a mobile literacy van that travels across the country giving free books to school-age children. Frances is being hosted by Aid for Kids, a branch of the Degenhardt Foundation. The bus is the brainchild of Jennifer Frances of Florida, who has made it her mission to promote literacy.
    Up There Woodturners will be demonstrating their craft. Brain Hovey, General Manager of Pine Tree Waste and Jim Dunning, Assistant General manager will do a presentation on recycling from noon until 1 p.m., Houlton Fire Department will have their hazard house on display, Katahdin Valley Health Center will have a display highlighting the new dental clinic, sealants and healthy eating.
    Zumba will be offered with Lura Griffin and Rachel Distephano, Bangor Savings Bank will be available to open new savings accounts and they will deposit the first $5, Ark Animal Shelter will have an informational booth, Richard Silliboy, Micmac (Mi-Kmaq) basket maker will have an informational display, local artist and chess player Roger Morin will introduce children to chess,  and of course there will be free books, games, prizes, a bounce house and food. All activities are free.
    For more information, call Frances at 1-813-545-6321.
    The mobile bus will be giving away free books, and Aid for Kids and Adopt a Block will be having popcorn and prize giveaways. For more information on Aid for Kids, call Dawn Degenhardt at 538-7899.