Vibrant Creations and Snowy Adventures Await at the ‘Winter Mess Fest’!

The sun was shining brilliantly and with the temperature exceeding 60 degrees, it didn’t resemble a typical cloudy California winter day.

However, that didn’t prevent children from attending the Escalon Library to participate in a ‘Winter Mess Fest’ hosted at the branch on Second Street. From finger painting to playing in the snow, there were numerous activities to entertain the kids.

Held on Jan. 17, various stations were arranged both indoors and outdoors on the sidewalk. Large sheets of butcher paper were affixed to the sidewalk where children could paint; there was even a slide leading into a wading pool covered with the same paper. Toy cars and trucks were accessible for dipping in paint and then sending down the slide, leaving colorful patterns on the paper.

Inside, there was a finger painting area, and a kiddie pool filled with ‘snow’ accompanied by plenty of excavation tools to search for hidden treasures. The Play-Doh table witnessed a continuous flow of children using the well-known toy, and there were also opportunities to dip into hot (warm) chocolate and transfer it from cup to cup, along with a large bowl of cooked spiral pasta to explore and squish between their fingers.

The visual and sensory experiences appeared to be enjoyed by the children, and cherished by their parents and/or guardians.

Mother Dee Silveira brought her son Eric, 8, to the gathering. Since he is home-schooled, she mentioned they were able to adjust their plan for the day to participate in the Mess Fest.

The third grader engaged with the trucks and various items in the snow.

He is also participating in the library’s Winter Reading Program.

“He has set an aim to read five books every day,” his mother remarked.

Librarian Kari Leos stated that the concept behind the Winter Mess Fest was to provide children an opportunity to enjoy some fun yet somewhat unconventional activities on a winter day.

The Winter Reading Program continues until the end of this month and the library Kids Club is also currently welcoming new members. For an annual fee of $10, children will receive one gently used book each month from the library. Households enrolling three or more children will receive three books monthly for $25. Registrations are accepted at the library.

The ongoing used book sale is also available during standard library hours and showcases both hardcover and paperback editions across all genres and for every age group.

The upcoming quarterly meeting of the Friends of the Escalon Library is set for Friday, Feb. 14 at 9:30 a.m.; everyone is invited.

Annual membership in the Friends organization is offered at $10 for individuals, $25 for families, and $30 for a business membership.