HAMLET — A sizable chunk of Main Street was blocked off alongside the Hamlet Public Library Wednesday as a gigantic sprinkler sprayed kids down during the annual summer reading program’s grand finale, Summer Fun Day.
There were numerous activities for children who participated throughout the summer, including games on the library lawn such as badminton and hula hoops. There were tables for trading in coupons for small gifts or toys and a concession stand with popcorn, snow cones and good old-fashioned cotton candy.
Belinda Norton said kickoff events earlier in the morning were the announcement of the program’s top 10 readers of the summer, and the random drawing for two bicycles given away.
The top readers of the summer from first through 10th place are Lexi Locklear, Hayden Hadinger, Carson Hadinger, Hudson Hadinger, Austin Hadinger, Abi Hadinger, Ian Hadinger, Lane Stewart, Jared Daniel and Skyler Macedo.
“Alan Jordan from Bobby’s Furniture went out and bought two bicycles to donate,” Norton said. “Our two winners were drawn from a huge bucket of names and it just happened to turn out one was a boy and one was a girl, but it wasn’t planned that way.”
The lucky winners were preschooler Garrett Peacock and Sequoia Davis.
“It felt good (to win),” Davis said. “This has been really fun. They have water and something for kids to do, and we can get stuff.”
Officials from the city of Hamlet showed their support by attending the events. City Manager Marcus Abernethy and Hamlet’s new intern Taylor Smith discussed some of the roles the various departments play in hosting events on Main Street.
Hamlet Police Chief Scott Waters and several of his officers were a visible presence, offering both smiles and their protection throughout the midmorning.
And of course, no “fun day” could ever really be fun without the big, bright red fire engine parked close by.
Mascots from Texas Roadhouse in Aberdeen and Pizza Inn of Rockingham also made their rounds, surprising kids and parents with coupons for discounted goodies at each restaurant. This is the second year Texas Roadhouse’s friendly armadillo has visited the kids at the Hamlet library.
“We are just thankful to all the sponsors who help make this happen every year,” Norton said.
Reach reporter Melonie McLaurin at 910-817-2673 and follow her on Twitter @meloniemclaurin.