Over 500 local children gathered in Cousens Gymnasium yesterday for the sixth annual Read by the River literacy fair.
This year's event had the theme, "Imagine where reading can take you," and employed around 300 volunteers.
"There are so many themes to read about," sophomore fair coordinator Ali Epstein said. "There's mystery and historical books and biographies. Reading can really expand your horizons."
The event was free to parents and children, but to participate in the fair, each child was instructed to write a book report. Six year-old Samantha MacFarline, who attended last year's Read by the River event, wrote her report on Dr. Seuss's "Green Eggs and Ham."
Early in the day, the children met New England Patriots cornerback Randall Gay. Gay read "Curious George Goes to Washington," answered questions, and signed autographs.
According to senior Nicki Lapidus, Gay explained to the young listeners that his football career could end any second, so it's important that he is able to fall back on education if need be. He especially stressed the importance of reading.
Gay would not leave until he signed every autograph, according to Lapidus.
"He was a really modest guy," sophomore coordinator Craig Kunkes said.
The event also included performances by Tufts' drumming group, Banging Everything At Tufts (BEATS), and contained 20 booths manned by a variety of campus and local organizations, ranging from Public Health at Tufts (PHAT) to the Medford Fire Department.
At the Jumpstart booth, kids could create their own book, while Alpha Omicron Pi offered an interactive board game.
Awards were a major part of the event. Upon turning in a book report, each child received a free movie pass. Before they left, they could choose one book to take home with them.
A group of approximately 15 student coordinators had been working since September to bring Read by the River together. "Some people on the board have done this for four years now, and some people are freshman, but they all worked well together and were very organized," senior volunteer Miriam Sznycer-Taub said. "It's running very smoothly."
In preparation, the committee hung decorations, bought supplies, organized the entertainment, and publicized the day's events at local schools. The decorations included colored-in pictures around the room and an archway made out of colored balloons.
Sophomore Rina Sobel said that coordinating added to the experience. "I volunteered last year and I loved it but seeing all the work that goes on behind the scenes is really fulfilling," she said.
"It's exciting to see the kids get excited about reading," Kunkes said.
