Reading, Fire Safety Come Together This Weekend

What do literacy and fire prevention have in common?

In Temple Terrace, they come together every year when Temple Terrace Reads takes place in conjunction with the Fire Prevention Open House. Both events are free, and free parking is available at Temple Terrace Elementary School and the Ridgedale Sports Complex, 204 Ridgedale Road.

Temple Terrace Reads, a family literacy festival celebrating its eighth anniversary Oct. 12, runs 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in front of Temple Terrace Elementary School.

“Temple Terrace Reads has taken off like a best-seller since its inception in 2006,” a press release from the City of Temple Terrace states. “Last year, hundreds of people attended, sharing books and celebrating the power and pleasures of reading. Organizers expect another big crowd this year.”

The event will feature:

• interactive literacy booths
• arts & crafts
• musical performances
• games
• storytellers
• face painting
• a book exchange sponsored by the Temple Terrace Junior Woman’s Club
• book authors and other special guests
• a special performance by Masque Community Theatre
• local school cheerleaders and student athletes

Temple Terrace Reads is sponsored by the City of Temple Terrace, the Hillsborough County School District and the Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce. Target has donated a grant.

For more information about Temple Terrace Reads, call Mike Segrest at 813-987-6903, ext. 228, or visit Temple Terrace Reads online.

Next door at Temple Terrace Fire Station No. 1, the Temple Terrace Fire Department will be celebrating its annual Fire Prevention Open House, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., in recognition of National Fire Prevention Month.

It will feature:

• interactive exhibits to show what it’s like to be a firefighter
• firefighting equipment, including ladder trucks, pumpers and rescue vehicles
• an automobile extrication at 11 a.m.
• simulated residences on fire at noon to demonstrate the effectiveness and importance of sprinklers in a residential setting
• kitchen fire safety demonstrations throughout the day
• fire extinguisher training
• a Bike Rodeo for kids from the Temple Terrace Police Department
• a free Masonic Child ID Program from Lodge 330 F&AM
• a vehicle rollover simulator from the Florida Highway Patrol
• puppet shows
• a balloon artist

According to a city press release, participating agencies at this year’s event include the Temple Terrace Fire Department, Temple Terrace Police Department, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Tampa Fire Rescue and Plant City Fire Rescue. Sponsors include Dunkin Donuts, Florida Fire Sprinkler Association, Sears, Langston’s Auto and Publix Super Market. Volunteers include Florida Hospital, the GFWC Temple Terrace Woman’s Club and others.

• Share Your Fire Department, Temple Terrace Reads Photos (2012)
• Viewfinder: Temple Terrace Reads (2011)
• Temple Terrace Reads Set for Oct. 8 (2011)