WOODS CROSS -- In his job as Woods Cross City's Justice Court Judge, Robert Peters has to deal with people who have had a very bad day. Peters shared that with about 250 youngsters recently, before he settled down to read Judith Viorst's "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day," at Mills Park.

Peters shared with the kids as part of the city's annual Literacy Program held in three sessions at both Hogan and Mills parks, in which children, preschool through age 12 participate in a reading time, crafts and a snack, free of charge.

Elizabeth Weiler, who along with Vicki Hinckley, is coordinating this year's program, said activities were kicked off on June 13, with the theme, "Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood."

In addition to Peters, the city's Mayor Kent Perry spoke to the kids and the South Davis Metro Fire Agency brought a fire truck down for the kids to climb on.

Other sessions will feature topics as diverse as the weather, presented by Kevin Eubanks, "Your Family Tree," "Abracadabra -- Harry Potter," "Once Upon A Time and "Let's Play Ball".

The young participants will each receive a free book at the end of each session.

Books, supplies and snacks are all provided through donations and funding from the city's Community of Promise. This year Winegar's is providing the snacks for one of the days.

Weiler said organizers used to provide books according to age range of the young participants, but through the years, they've found that "everyone enjoys a picture book."

Attendance is pretty stabile at each week's program, Weiler said.

The program runs each Wednesday through July 25, excluding July 4.









mwilliams@davisclipper.com