This is the second in a monthly series of columns about ways to get involved in The Big Read.
As you may expect, focusing on an author such as Edgar Allan Poe, October is a busy month for Big Read Connects Tucson.
BIG READ CONNECTS TUCSON KICK-OFF EVENT
The Loft Cinema is hosting the official Big Read Connects Tucson Kick-Off Event this week. Along with screening the 1961 Poe-based horror classic, “The Pit and the Pendulum” (starring Vincent Price), Poe-themed snacks, costume contests and a one-of-a kind photo booth (featuring an altar below a dangling pendulum) will all be part of the fun. Collections of Poe’s work will also be available for purchase from Antigone Books.
When: 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway.
All Souls Procession Weekend
More than 150,000 people are expected to flood the streets of Downtown Tucson during the weekend of Nov. 7-8 to honor the memory of loved-ones past. Big Read Connects Tucson will be there to honor the life and work of Edgar Allan Poe.
Procession of Little Angels
This year’s Procession of Little Angels’ finale is built upon Edgar Allan Poe’s hauntingly beautiful poem of “Annabel Lee.” Tucson Circus Arts youth performers, along with adult actors from Stories that Soar and aerialist Monica Weinheimer, will bring to life Annabel Lee and her young love, as they interact with jealous angels, chilling winds, and vengeful demons in their kingdom by the sea.
Paul Amiel will be providing an original score. This spectacular telling of Poe’s classic poem is appropriate for audiences of all ages. For more information on the Procession of Little Angels, visit allsoulsprocession.org/projects/procession-of-little-angels
When: Dusk Nov. 7.
Where: Armory Park, 221 S. Sixth Ave.
All Souls Procession Display in Honor of Poe
Edgar Allan Poe had a tremendous impact on the world of American literature. Many of the literary genres still popular today got their start with Poe’s work. On Nov. 8, his life and work will be honored in the Tucson All Souls Procession. Keep an eye out and free to join in honoring this literary genius. For more information about the All Souls Processions, visit allsoulsprocession.org
When: Dusk Nov. 8.
Where: Route Starts at Sixth Avenue near Sixth Street and ends near the Mercado San Augustin, 100 S. Avenida del Convento.
ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
Tucson Festival of Books Young Writers Contest
The Tucson Festival of Books will host the annual Young Author Contest as part of the fun leading up to the festival March 12 and 13. This year, as one of its categories, the festival will accept stories influenced by Edgar Allan Poe.
Children and teens from pre-K—12th grade are encouraged to submit stories. Winners will receive prize money and be honored at the 2016 Tucson Festival of Books.
Select stories will be brought to life by Literacy Connects’ Stories that Soar program and will also be immortalized in handmade books produced locally. Submissions are being accepted now through Dec. 15. For more information, visit the Tucson Festival of Books website at tucsonfestivalofbooks.org
World of Words Halloween Book Fiesta with children’s book author Adam Rex
The World of Words library at the UA College of Education will be hosting a Halloween Book Fiesta with author and illustrator Adam Rex and a celebration of scary stories and Edgar Allan Poe. Kiddos can listen to scary stories, hear Rex talk about his Frankenstein books and make a scary creature from clay. For children, ages 5-12 years, and their families. Free parking in the Second Street garage or take the Sun Link streetcar to the Second Street and Highland Avenue stop.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct 31.
Where: World of Words, UA College of Education, Room 453, 1430 E. Second St. on the UA campus.
Make Way for Books presents a Poe-inspired story time
Make Way for Books is planning an engaging story time with activities, singing and fun for families. Every Friday at 10 a.m. Make Way for Books hosts a story time for families and children 5 and under. On Oct. 23, a Poe-inspired story time will feature the “Edgar” books by author Jennifer Adams.
When: 10-10:45 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23.
Where: Make Way for Books, 700 N. Stone Ave.
Children’s Museum Tucson celebrates the spooky month
of October
Throughout October, Children’s Museum Tucson will be celebrating everyone’s favorite spooky month. Edgar Allan Poe-inspired activities and events will go on throughout the month. Visit Children’s Museum Tucson’s website at childrensmuseumtucson.org for more information.
When: Throughout October.
Where: Children’s Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
The Pima County Library
has Poe fever
The Pima County Public Library will host a number of events and activities throughout the Big Read program through May. Book group discussion sessions, read-a-longs, film screenings, story times, and activities for kids and adults are all part of the fun. Whatever your interest, you are sure to find something to enjoy. For more information, visit the library’s Big Read Connects Tucson webpage at
library.pima.gov/browse_program/big-read-poe
Don’t forget to visit the Big Read Connects Tucson website at bigreadconnectstucson.org and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
