MES reading program to feature hot air balloon
Up, up, and away won't just be left to the imagination next week for Marion Elementary School students.
To go along with the school's Children's Book Week them, "Rise up Reading," Chris Tantillo of Sail Away Adventures will be in town sometime next week with a hot air balloon.
Depending on the weather, the balloon will be at the Warrior practice football field either Monday, Tuesday, Nov. 14 or Nov. 15 to offer tethered rides to students.
If the weather does not cooperate and the balloon can't go in the air, Tantillo will be at the school Nov. 15 with the basket and other parts of the balloon to show the students.
The students collectively read 15,000 minutes worth of books, causing principal Rod Garman to stay true to his promise to read on a boom on the school's roof.
The students also will have a door decorating contest, but the balloon is the main attraction.
Marion National Bank, Tampa State Bank, and Central Nation Bank covered the $900 expense for the balloon.
"It couldn't have happened without them," MES librarian Lori Kirkpatrick said.
