Kaleigh Lusk, far left, meets Cat in the Hat (Donna Conway) as her parents, Melissa and Jeremiah look on. The family was at the East Ridge Library during its Dr. Seuss Birthday Part, Wednesday afternoon.
The East Ridge City Library pulled out all the stops to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday, Wednesday, by throwing a little party with some of the children’s book author’s most beloved characters.
The Cat in the Hat was on hand with Thing 1 and Thing 2 to mingle with some tiny devoted readers of the books. Library staff also served refreshments to the mostly shy children running around under the legs of the characters.
Patty Weaver, the Acting Director of the library, said the city has celebrated Dr. Seuss birthday for many, many years. Weaver said last year was quite somber, as longtime library director Susan Macrellis had passed away.
This year was a different story, however, as “Cat” was enthusiastically portrayed by Donna Conway, making her debut as the character. Her two sidekicks, Nell Moses and Pat Smith, are old hat (no pun intended) at donning the costumes. Both women said they were devoted to playing the characters to pay homage to Dr. Seuss.
“I love doing it,” Moses said. “I’m a big Dr. Seuss fan. I had all the books for my children and grandchildren. In fact, I was cleaning out and I was going to get rid of some of the Dr. Seuss books and my grandchildren, who are now in their 20s, said, “don’t you dare throw those books away.”
Smith had a simple explanation for her dressing up as Thing 2: “It’s fun!”
Jeremiah and Melissa Luck brought their young daughter, Kaleigh, to the festivities. Kaleigh was somewhat reserved in her interaction with Cat. It wasn’t until her father enticed her with a cupcake that she _ reluctantly at first _ “high fived” the Cat. Young Kaleigh quickly warmed to Cat, loosened up and began enjoying herself.
Stefanie Soto brought her daughter, Isabel, to the birthday party. Young Isabell, who appeared to be quite mature for her age (maybe 7) had no issues posing for photos being flanked by Thing 1 and 2.
Soto said she brings her daughter to the library frequently, as they live just down the street. Visits to the library are fine with Isabell, especially when it is centered around one of her favorite characters.
“I like (Cat in the Hat) because he’s really silly,” she said.
Isabel Soto, center, poses for a picture with Thing 2 (Pat Smith) and Thing 1 (Nell Moses) during a birthday party for Dr. Seuss, Wednesday, at the East Ridge Library.
